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The Greatest Show on Earth cover art

The Greatest Show on Earth

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

In 2008, a Gallup poll showed that 44 percent of Americans believed God had created man in his present form within the last 10,000 years. In a Pew Forum poll in the same year, 42 percent believed that all life on earth has existed in its present form since the beginning of time.

In 1859 Charles Darwin's masterpiece, On the Origin of Species, shook society to its core. Darwin was only too aware of the storm his theory of evolution would provoke. But he surely would 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. Now the author of the iconic work The God Delusion takes them to task.

The Greatest Show on Earth is a stunning counterattack on advocates of "Intelligent Design", explaining the evidence for evolution while exposing the absurdities of the creationist "argument". Dawkins sifts through rich layers of scientific evidence: from living examples of natural selection to clues in the fossil record; from plate tectonics to molecular genetics. Combining these elements and many more, he makes the airtight case that "we find ourselves perched on one tiny twig in the midst of a blossoming and flourishing tree of life and it is no accident, but the direct consequence of evolution by non-random selection."

The Greatest Show on Earth comes at a critical time: systematic opposition to the fact of evolution is menacing as never before. In American schools, and in schools around the world, insidious attempts are made to undermine the status of science in the classroom. Dawkins wields a devastating argument against this ignorance, but his unjaded passion for the natural world turns what might have been a negative argument into a positive offering to the reader: nothing less than a master's vision of life, in all its splendor.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2009 Richard Dawkins (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

What the critics say

"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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great info, read by the author

It was nice to have the book narrated by the author. Furthermore the information was articulated in an easy to understand way for the most part. Most of this book was listened to while i was doing other things (chores, walking the dog) there were a few instances which required full attention to comprehend what was being said, but the author tells you when approaching a hard to understand area. Really well done, will give their other books a shot too.

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A wonder needed in dark times

An exciting tale, tailored together by evidence of evolution while slowly and methodically dealing with other possibilities in a way that is easy to understand. A beautiful summary of how life has come to be as we know it, but that also has a worrisome message regarding science teaching.

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Dawkins never ceases to amaze me

Another fascinating book by Dawkins. From dispelling myths around creationism and intelligent design to delving deep into experiments in evolutionary biology over years, Dawkins makes it easy to understand for anyone. The narration is excellent as well!

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Great read

The account of why evolution is a fact, not a "mere theory". Well written.

Discusses the fundamentals of evolution; genes, natural selection, artificial selection, etc.. Dawkins provides a breadth of evidence ranging from controlled experiments to fossil records with many other stops along the way. Debunks the common rebuts of evolution which are often levied by evolution-deniers.

The narration by Richard & his wife Lalla is enjoyable. The two compliment each other well and prevent monotony for the listener.

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Dual Narrators Ruins this Book

I should have read the details more closely. I thought the second narrator was just for the preface. it ruins the book for me and I couldn't get past the first chapter. As soon as I got used to Dawkins, the female narrator would chime in with a different voice and cadence and i'd lose my concentration. It would nice if Audible would add a way to filter on "Single Narrator."

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