Written in Stone

Evolution, the Fossil Record, and Our Place in Nature

By: Brian Switek

Narrated by: L. J. Ganser

Spectacular fossil finds make today's headlines; new technology unlocks secrets of skeletons unearthed 100 years ago. Still, evolution is often poorly represented by the media and misunderstood by the public. A potent antidote to pseudoscience, Written in Stone is an engrossing history of evolutionary discovery for anyone who has marveled at the variety and richness of life.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2010 Brian Switek (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Evolution detailed

I really appreciate the depth of research and understanding that is shared by the author. I knew aspects (whale origins) but Switek went into far greater detail across earth's history and with great interest. Well worth reading if interested in life and the earth.

Narrator mispronounces a lot of words

He also reads fairly flatly. If it doesn’t bother you that he obviously didn’t Google any of the words beforehand, then you’ll probably love it.

great text

the information is great. the pop culture references aren't cringe. this book is a slice of humble pie for any one that sees humanity as the peak of progress.

Very good but has some weaknesses

I enjoyed 95% of this book. A captivating recounting of the story of the key fossils in our current understanding evolution. However the author strays into metaphysical speculation that lacks nuance and sophistication. He wines about religion like a 15 year old atheist, not realizing his opposition itself is freighted with terms that imply some pre-rational valuation. Yes biological evolution is a fact, but it’s ultimate meaning like it or not takes the shape of a faith. Glass houses and all that

personal

Two stars - meh
three stars - good
four stars - worth a second read
five stars - life-changing - my top 50 of all time