Blueprints : solving the mystery of evolution

Chapters on Charles Darwin, Gregor Mendel, Hugo de Vries, Friedrich Miescher, George Beadle, Edward L. Tatum, Oswald Avery, James Watson, Francis Crick, Stanley L. Miller, Manfred Eigen, Carl L. Woese, and others. "It is a fascinating account of the evolution of the idea of evolution, told as a scientific detective story. Edey and Johanson unravel all that we have learned about the shaping of life on earth in the decades since Darwin, recounting in detail the personal battles, sacrifices, and triumphs that have stoked this learning process ... Maitland A. Edey, a gifted science writer, and Donald C. Johanson, the world-renowned paleoanthropologist who discovered 'Lucy', the 3.5-million-year-old woman, bring uniquely matched talents to this book. They took this project on because, as we gain the ability to direct our own evolution through genetic engineering, they believe it is crucial that we understand evolution. Blueprints not only promotes this understanding, but is also a gripping tale of the unruly ways and workings of scientific genius and the roles of both brilliance and chance"--Jacket.… (more)