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maxvandervelden's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastisch informatief en humoristisch boek. Lichtjes arrogant geschreven op sommige stukken maar kan het zeker hebben.
deepakchecks's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best science books. Great argument and proof for the evolution. Well written.
shawnwhy's review against another edition
5.0
it was fun reading this one along side the Origin of Species, the description of the formation of the embryo as teh formation of different layers of protein durving in onto it self is fun, the description of evolution as a completely wasteful operation is also fun, the "planned economy vs, actual natural selection in relation to the height of trees is fun.
ben_smitty's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating. The Greatest Show on Earth was definitely an enlightening read. Dawkins succeeded in presenting a case for evolution that was clear and simple enough to understand. The colored pages and the illustrations were immensely helpful in understanding different species and abstract concepts that were difficult to grasp, especially the topics of embryology and the different fossils of the "missing link". Brilliant. Even with his arrogant attitude towards creationism, I was able to pass through quickly, simply because he had the intelligence to back it up.
The problem though, is that most of the ideas and evidence for macroevolution came with the presupposition that the world was without a creator. For example, the chapter titled "The Tree of Cousin-ship" showed skeletons of different mammals, which are strikingly similar in order, but not in size. He concluded that this must be because mammals are all interrelated through Darwinian evolution. The problem could also be solved by simply adding in a creator that used the same structure of bones for all mammals (I mean if it works, I don't see why not...). With the same evidence, we see different things through different presuppositions. Most of the book covers the concept of microevolution which Christians already believe in. In the end, I finished this book with a broader definition of microevolution, but as a Christian, I could say that it was not enough to convince me of macroevolution without a creator.
The problem though, is that most of the ideas and evidence for macroevolution came with the presupposition that the world was without a creator. For example, the chapter titled "The Tree of Cousin-ship" showed skeletons of different mammals, which are strikingly similar in order, but not in size. He concluded that this must be because mammals are all interrelated through Darwinian evolution. The problem could also be solved by simply adding in a creator that used the same structure of bones for all mammals (I mean if it works, I don't see why not...). With the same evidence, we see different things through different presuppositions. Most of the book covers the concept of microevolution which Christians already believe in. In the end, I finished this book with a broader definition of microevolution, but as a Christian, I could say that it was not enough to convince me of macroevolution without a creator.
natashamontgomery's review against another edition
4.0
Always meaning to further delve into the biological world I decided to read Dawkins' The Greatest Show on Earth and it is exactly as Dawkins has labelled: it is a book filled with 'Evidence for Evolution'. Some chapters are more interesting than others but I guess this is rather subjective with the most interesting chapters having me in an almost-trance where every sentence was followed by a deep sigh and a 'THAT'S JUST AMAZING'. Some of the less interesting chapters probably consisted of the topics that I haven't met in class so I found myself reading paragraphs again to decipher meaning and most of the time failing. For someone who has studied science at a 'basic' level (high school senior biology/chemistry/physics) would find this an easy read for Dawkins relies on well-known science to provide evidence for evolution. Without this fundamental knowledge however, The Greatest Show on Earth could be a bit of a stretch so I wouldn't say that this is accessible to every reader or anyone on the street.
This is a fabulously structured book that has not only grounded my understanding of evolution but has answered many questions that have been buried in the depths of my brain that I have never bothered answering. Dawkins' piece is also filled with evidence from many studies and adaptations of animals that really allow the reader to appreciate Mother Nature for all its callousness and beauty. A disclaimer: Dawkins looks down on creationists (people who do not 'believe in' evolution) with much disdain and treats them as uneducated, belligerent members of the population and this can seem rather contemptuous at times but I do understand Dawkins' frustration but he may have crossed the line one or two times but this did not affect my view of The Greatest Show on Earth as a whole.
This is a fabulously structured book that has not only grounded my understanding of evolution but has answered many questions that have been buried in the depths of my brain that I have never bothered answering. Dawkins' piece is also filled with evidence from many studies and adaptations of animals that really allow the reader to appreciate Mother Nature for all its callousness and beauty. A disclaimer: Dawkins looks down on creationists (people who do not 'believe in' evolution) with much disdain and treats them as uneducated, belligerent members of the population and this can seem rather contemptuous at times but I do understand Dawkins' frustration but he may have crossed the line one or two times but this did not affect my view of The Greatest Show on Earth as a whole.
prashiie's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Dawkins did not disappoint! As witty as ever, in this book he takes you along to explore the grandeur of nature through an evolution point of view
additionaddiction's review against another edition
5.0
This is the second time that I've read this book (but the first time that I've made it all the way through). It can be a little scientifically-wordy at times (it has to be) but you really should truck on through. It's a very interesting read and shattered any lingering doubts I may have had on the process of evolution (through natural selection).
There are so many interesting facts and footnotes in this book that it may take you a while to get through, only for the fact that you're going to want to stop and look up everything. One of my personal favorites *SPOILERS* was with the "unintelligent placement" of the Laryngeal Nerve (in mammals) and the Vas Deferens (in male mammals).
This book (like many Dawkins' books) falls into the category of "Books I wish all my friends would read." The importance of what evolution (through natural selection) represents is really one of the most major concerns of all humanity. "How did we get here?" If you are someone who tries to make an argument (for or against) evolution, you owe it to yourself to read this book. If, after reading, you are still not satisfied with the level of evidence, than you probably never will be.
There are so many interesting facts and footnotes in this book that it may take you a while to get through, only for the fact that you're going to want to stop and look up everything. One of my personal favorites *SPOILERS* was with the "unintelligent placement" of the Laryngeal Nerve (in mammals) and the Vas Deferens (in male mammals).
This book (like many Dawkins' books) falls into the category of "Books I wish all my friends would read." The importance of what evolution (through natural selection) represents is really one of the most major concerns of all humanity. "How did we get here?" If you are someone who tries to make an argument (for or against) evolution, you owe it to yourself to read this book. If, after reading, you are still not satisfied with the level of evidence, than you probably never will be.
brucelee1255's review against another edition
3.0
A very interesting and technical read, though not as good as the book "Why Evolution Is True," at least for beginners.