The controversial Richard Dawkins’ new book responds to creationists’ question, “Where is the proof?” The Greatest Show on Earth generally takes a gentler, more persuasive tone than his previous books, but Dawkins may be preaching to the choir. Given his reputation and the vitriol of his earlier The God Delusion, it would be surprising if creationists can approach the book with an open mind, or if most even care to read it.

Dawkins refrains from creationist bashing for the most part, except for some passages in the book’s introduction “Only a Theory”, which is an unfortunate placement in a book meant to persuade the doubtful. Those who believe the earth is less than 10,000 years old, however, are not spared from Dawkins’ continuous derision. Dubbing these young earthists “history deniers,” Dawkins draws a controversial parallel with Holocaust deniers.

In contrast, the meat of the book is accessible and straightforward. In “Dogs, Cows, and Cabbages,” Dawkins begins with a discussion of artificial selection in domesticated animals to soften up the doubtful reader. He progresses to the process of sexual selection, and finally to natural selection. The transitions are deftly written and considerably persuasive.

Fascinating case studies abound, of which my favorites were the mbuna of Lake Malawi, the lizards of Pod Mrcaru and Pod Kopiste, and Dr. John Endler’s livebearers. While the segments on plate tectonics and sedimentary rock may drag a bit, The Greatest Show on Earth blends powerful evidence with wit. Dawkins relates an amusing exchange between J.B.S. Haldane and woman in attendance of his lecture:

Skeptic: Professor Haldane, even given the billions of years that you say were available for evolution, I simply cannot believe it is possible to go from a single cell to a complicated human body with its trillions of cells organized into bones and muscle and nerves, a heart that pumps without ceasing for decades, miles and miles of blood vessels and kidney tubules, and a brain capable of thinking and feeling.

Haldane: But Madam, you did it yourself. And it only took nine months.

The ire that Dawkins inspires notwithstanding, The Greatest Show on Earth is a much-needed book filled with cogent arguments. I’m inclined to agree with his claim that no unbiased reader will finish the book without recognizing evolution’s explanatory power.

Final Grade: B+

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