The Evolution Book

The author of The Science Book here takes on the entire history of life on earth, beginning four billion years ago with the first organic molecules brewing in primordial clay, and tracing the slow progress of evolving life to the present. Exceedingly well researched and unflaggingly interesting, the book delves into the biology and behavior of every imaginable prehistoric and modern plant and animal. Stein covers an enormous amount of material, touching on such topics as the seemingly intelligent behavior of insects, the mental maps that allow birds to find migration routes and the mystery of African fossils found in Boston. Rather than dwell on theory, Stein allows scientific principles to arise naturally from the material. Also included are hundreds of sidebars, many of which propose field trips, experiments or projects. The Evolution Book is a wonderful experience. It's dense without being dull, and vivid while never oversimplifying. (10-14)