The Blind Watchmaker

Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe Without Design

By: Richard Dawkins

Narrated by: Richard Dawkins, Lalla Ward

Length: 14 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

The Blind Watchmaker, knowledgably narrated by author Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward, is as prescient and timely a book as ever. The watchmaker belongs to the 18th-century theologian William Paley, who argued that just as a watch is too complicated and functional to have sprung into existence by accident, so too must all living things, with their far greater complexity, be purposefully designed. Charles Darwin's brilliant discovery challenged the creationist arguments; but only Richard Dawkins could have written this elegant riposte. Natural selection - the unconscious, automatic, blind, yet essentially nonrandom process Darwin discovered - is the blind watchmaker in nature.

©1986, 1987, 1996 Richard Dawkins (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"As readable and vigorous a defense of Darwinism as has been published since 1859. ( The Economist)

"The best general account of evolution I have read in recent years." (E. O. Wilson, Professor in Entomology, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University)

“Dawkins’s explanation of the evolutionary process continues to be timely and revelatory…This dual reading is an interesting model for a scientific text. It helps to clarify and emphasize points… this is a commendable production, and an excellent primer on how evolution works.” ( AudoFile)

Not his best, but it's up there

This book retreads a lot of The Selfish Gene's territory, but is still very good.

Sorry Professor...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend it to those with an interest in evolution, but with reservations. It is 80% good, but sometimes comes across as peevish and pedantic, in particular the chapter on punctuated equilibrium.

What did you like best about this story?

I actually preferred Prof. Dawkins' narration of the "Origin of Species".

What aspect of Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward ’s performance would you have changed?

I am sure Prof. Dawkins enjoyed doing a project with his wife, and justified this on the basis of her being a classically trained actor. However the switching between one voice and another became annoying, and sometimes confusing, when it was done in the middle of a passage expressing a single idea.

Very good but some parts are hard to follow

Would you consider the audio edition of The Blind Watchmaker to be better than the print version?

Haven't read the print edition but I think the confusing parts (probabilities and punctuated equilibrium) may have been easier to digest in print form.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Slightly difficult audiobook to listen to and actually retain. It lost me on the discussions of probabilities and also confused me until the very end of his discussion of punctuated equilibrium. Other than that it's still a good book for getting a grip on some of the more nuanced aspects of evolution by natural selection. But not for science beginners...

Everyone Should Know This.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Information everyone should know explained in a way anyone can understand.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Blind Watchmaker?

Explanation of the eye as an example for evolution.

What about Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward ’s performance did you like?

Read by the writer is always better.

Compares many other theories to Darwinian cumulative natural selection showing why they fall short.

Very detailed. I enjoy listening to Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward. In a 15 hour book, it probably helps keep it auditorily interesting to have two voices.

I have no extensive science background and didn't study biology in school so have been trying to catch up as an adult. This book has so much detail I would not recommend it as a starter volume on evolution. But if you've read a few other books first or have a background in biology, it's very good. Also good to watch his The Blind Watchmaker videos on YouTube first.

I recommend Dawkins's The Selfish Gene and Jerry Coyne's Why Evolution Is True.

Open your mind and think!

What does Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Having the actual author read is moving.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No ! I can't mentally keep up and had to work through in smaller chunks.

Any additional comments?

I had a poor understanding of evolution, this has help me understand.

Great Dawkins book for a college grad

Start the kids out with a Dawkins book that's a little easier to digest, like "Greatest Show on Earth" or "Magic of Reality". Since I believe that EVERY human being should read Dawkins' work, I think it's only fair that I classify WHO should read this one. If you're a logical adult, with a decent education, then this is a must have for your library.

If you are not familiar with Dawkins, then I cannot be clear enough about whether or not you should read this book. IF you are interested in Evolution AT ALL....even a little tiny bit...then READ THIS BOOK! It is the bible of evolution!

Always wonderful

Richard Dawkins is always wonderful with his explanation of evolution and his way with words it is a joy to read

Nothing less than brilliant

This book is nothing less than an entrance to the magical history of life and its origins.

amazing explanation... complex life from simple

Amazing explanation on how a complex life form have evolved from simple form... loved it..