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Unweaving the Rainbow

Science, Delusion and the Appetite for Wonder

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Unweaving the Rainbow

By: Richard Dawkins
Narrated by: Richard Dawkins, Lalla Ward
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A dazzling, passionate polemic against anti-science movements of all kinds

Keats accused Newton of destroying the poetry of the rainbow by explaining the origin of its colours. In this illuminating and provocative book, Richard Dawkins argues that Keats could not have been more mistaken, and shows how an understanding of science enhances our wonder of the world. He argues that mysteries do not lose their poetry because they are solved: the solution is often more beautiful than the puzzle, uncovering even deeper mysteries. Dawkins takes up the most important and compelling topics in modern science, from astronomy and genetics to language and virtual reality, combining them in a landmark statement on the human appetite for wonder.

© Richard Dawkins 2006 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

 History & Philosophy Philosophy Science Thought-Provoking

Critic Reviews

A brilliant assertion of the wonder and excitement of real, tough, grown-up science (A. S. Byatt, 'Books of the Year')
The way Dawkins writes about science is not just a brain-tonic. It is more like an extended stay on a brain health-farm ... You come out feeling lean, tuned and enormously more intelligent (John Carey)
Beautifully written and full of interesting, original ideas. Essential reading
For Dawkins there is more poetry, not less, in the rainbow because of Newton ... he weaves rainbows of wonder from other provinces of science and then unleashes his fury on those who accuse scientists like him of being unimaginative
Brilliantly entertaining and stimulating
All stars
Most relevant
a great read that covers some science history and a deep dive into the statistical method and coincidences. 100% worth your time.

A calm and rational book

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whether you are sold on atheism or on the fence, Dawkins articulates the issue clearly and accurately.

another illuminating listen

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