The Greatest Show on Earth

The Evidence for Evolution

By: Richard Dawkins

Narrated by: Richard Dawkins, Lalla Ward

Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2009 Richard Dawkins (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"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)

A very solid listen

Would you listen to The Greatest Show on Earth again? Why?

Yes, I really enjoyed this book. I blows me away that people do not believe in evolution. There is no way the Earth is 10,000 years old

What other book might you compare The Greatest Show on Earth to and why?

Don't have one yet.

Have you listened to any of Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The discussion on DNA and specifically linking every living thing that has ever existed. Really cool.

Educational, Understandable, Compelling.

The headline says it all. You won't be disappointed with this text. Its narrators are exquisite authorities and pleasant.

Great insights into evolution

Great insights into the facts of evolution, told well, lots of interesting things to learn about

This book might just change how you see the wold

What did you love best about The Greatest Show on Earth?

It was an incredible explanation of evolution with facts to support it. I found myself in awe at some of the information provided in this book, wondering why I hadn't read this book sooner. More than anything else, it helped me regain a wonder in the natural world.

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

While some may disagree, I felt that Dawkin's performance was very good in this audiobook. I was a touch put off by the back-and-forth between Dawkins and Ward, but it didn't seriously impact my enjoyment of listening to the audiobook. Richard Dawkins has a clever way of explaining complex topics so that they make sense to the layperson.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The chapter on the Lenski experiment was incredible. I was riveted by the presentation of this information and it gave me a better understanding of natural selection.

Any additional comments?

Richard Dawkins writes this book in a way that appeals to those interested in science, while gearing some statements towards what he calls "history deniers." This slant may be unpalatable for some. That said, it's obvious that Dawkins has extreme reverence for the natural world and the beauty that has developed over a tremendous amount of time. I'd recommend this book to anyone seeking additional, evidence-based information on evolution.

great explanations in very clear english.

accessible even for people who speak english as a second language.
great science explanations in simple english about evolution and the reasons why it is a fact

A delightful survey of the evidence for evolution.

This book allows both unarmed atheists and questioning believers to see the overwhelming and undeniable evidence for evolution by natural selection.

I mean it's Dawkins

This book made me understand many of the things I was taught in developmental biology and evolution. I highly recommend this book, especially to anyone majoring in Biology. The entire book is evidence for evolution, it is a huge asset to be able to see evolution at every level. It's also read by the man himself, so it is properly emotive!

Devout Muslim

I enjoyed this book. personal note: There must be a better way to reach the Muslim community, then to criticize. Thank you much respect for Richard Dawkins

Full of evidence

I'm amazed at how much evidence Dawkins provided for the proof of evolution. It is hard to believe that even in the 21st century about 40% of the citizens of the most industrialized Nation still believe the earth is 6,000 years old. Universities/schools aught to stay strong and teach the facts and evidence despite the push from fact deniers around the world. It is a long book but very interesting read. One of my favorites.

A...Ma...Zing!!!

I positively LOVED this book!! After reading it, so much made sense. I feel like I could take on a creationist and hold my own in a debate! Way to go Dawkins!!!