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The Greatest Show on Earth

By: Richard Dawkins
Narrated by: Richard Dawkins, Lalla Ward
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Publisher's Summary

Charles Darwin's masterpiece, On the Origin of Species, shook society to its core on publication in 1859. Darwin was only too aware of the storm his theory of evolution would provoke but he would surely have raised an incredulous eyebrow at the controversy still raging a century and a half later. Evolution is accepted as scientific fact by all reputable scientists and indeed theologians, yet millions of people continue to question its veracity.

In The Greatest Show on Earth, Richard Dawkins takes on creationists, including followers of 'Intelligent Design' and all those who question the fact of evolution through natural selection.

Like a detective arriving on the scene of a crime, he sifts through fascinating layers of scientific facts and disciplines to build a cast-iron case: from the living examples of natural selection in birds and insects; the 'time clocks' of trees and radioactive dating that calibrate a timescale for evolution; the fossil record and the traces of our earliest ancestors; to confirmation from molecular biology and genetics. All of this, and much more, bears witness to the truth of evolution.

The Greatest Show on Earth comes at a critical time: systematic opposition to the fact of evolution is now flourishing as never before, especially in America. In Britain and elsewhere in the world, teachers witness insidious attempts to undermine the status of science in their classrooms. Richard Dawkins provides unequivocal evidence that boldly and comprehensively rebuts such nonsense. At the same time he shares with us his palpable love of the natural world and the essential role that science plays in its interpretation. Written with elegance, wit and passion, it is hard-hitting, absorbing and totally convincing.

©2009 Richard Dawkins (P)2009 Random House Audiobooks

Critic Reviews

"If Charles Darwin walked into a 21st-century bookstore and wanted to know how his theory had fared, this is the book he should pick up. Dawkins remains a superb translator of complex scientific concepts....he has a way of making the drollest details feel like a revelation." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about The Greatest Show on Earth

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Brilliant and gripping.

This has been one of the few Non-fiction books that I have listened to/read that has actually had me wanting to listen to for entertainment. Richard Dawkins can paint pictures with his words in such a way, that I could imagine every part of the book. I recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about the evidence for the FACT of evolution.

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Great!

I really loved this book. Very interesting and not to hard for me the layperson to understand.

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Brilliant!

Every child should be taught this from an early age to evolve humans past the religious ideal that humans are the centre of everything.

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thought provoking.

very interesting topic and the write obviously know his subject in very detail. at time the depth of technical detail was a bit much for non scientists but definitely learnt a lot from this book and ever to read more of his other books.

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Thought provoking

I thought I knew this until I listen to this book! I am shocked at the percentage of creationists.

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This is my third listen

I get something new each time I listen to this book. Heavy at times but still very enjoyable.

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Alright read, there is interesting things..

Dawkins does have good arguments here, I feel he tends to go on a bit though. Also he attacks people's characters far to much and over does what he claims is fact. Still interesting read although I remain unconvinced of Evolution.

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  • Ata
  • 13-10-2021

Excellent learning experience

Not surprised. Dawkins is always the best. Highly recommended if you have prior evolution understanding.

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enjoyable enough

Enjoyable to listen to and had plenty of great information but at times was difficult to get into.

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Buying the Book

Such a great resource for any forward thinking person. It's just too bad Dawkins' felt it necessary to write to back his previous work. Still glad he did though. Getting myself a physical copy.

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