The God Delusion

By: Richard Dawkins

Narrated by: Richard Dawkins, Lalla Ward

Length: 13 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Richard Dawkins was recently voted one of the world's top three intellectuals (alongside Umberto Eco and Noam Chomsky) by Prospect magazine. As the author of many classic works on science and philosophy, he has always asserted the irrationality of belief in God and the grievous harm it has inflicted on society. He now focuses his fierce intellect exclusively on this subject, denouncing its faulty logic and the suffering it causes.

While Europe is becoming increasingly secularized, the rise of religious fundamentalism, whether in the Middle East or Middle America, is dramatically and dangerously dividing opinion around the world. In America and elsewhere, a vigorous dispute between "intelligent design" and Darwinism is seriously undermining and restricting the teaching of science. In many countries religious dogma from medieval times still serves to abuse basic human rights, such as those of women and gay people � and all from a belief in a God whose existence lacks evidence of any kind.

Dawkins attacks God in all his forms, from the sex-obsessed, cruel tyrant of the Old Testament to the more benign, but still illogical, Celestial Watchmaker favoured by some Enlightenment thinkers. He eviscerates the major arguments for religion and demonstrates the ultimate improbability of a supreme being. He shows how religion fuels war, foments bigotry and abuses children. In The God Delusion, Dawkins presents a hard-hitting, impassioned rebuttal of religion of all types and does so in the lucid, witty and powerful language for which he is renowned. It is a brilliantly argued, fascinating polemic that will be required listening for anyone interested in this most emotional and important subject.

©2006 Richard Dawkins (P)2006 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A spirited and exhilarating read...Dawkins comes roaring forth in the full vigour of his powerful arguments...." ( Guardian)
"Everyone should read it. Aethists will love Mr Dawkins's incisive logic and rapier wit...." ( The Economist)

A Fantastic Read

Would you consider the audio edition of The God Delusion to be better than the print version?

The story telling by Mr Dawkins and Miss Ward is really well done, and adds another dimension to a already well written and intelligent book.

What did you like best about this story?

The best thing about the story is that it shatters the shackles of being controlled by other people, (which whatever people say is the point of religion, to control you) and opens your eyes to the fact that there are no spirits, magic or anything supernatural that you need to fear, we do good because we are good people and we want to, not because there is some judgmental thing watching us. The world is clearer and safer in that knowledge.

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

N/A but I will.

Any additional comments?

Really is a must read for everyone, I want my children and grandchildren to read this, if people actually stop and think about what we are told by these "people of faith" and look at how so much of the world's problems are because of them and there ever crusade to be in control of your lives, the world would be a much happier place.

Mind blowing

This is hands down one of the most fantastic books I have read so far. For atheists, agnostics, or questioners of religion. This book will wrench open your eyes and force you to see the truth. I would especially recommend this book to religious people who would like to dig deeper in their faith from a scientific perspective. A MUST read.

Just what you would expect from Richard Dawkins

This was my first Richard Dawkins, and i enjoyed it greatly ! arguments are clean and to the point... just get a little frustrating when reading they switch from Richard to lalla in small spaces of time..

the god delusion

If you could sum up The God Delusion in three words, what would they be?

well narrated

Who was your favorite character and why?

has the occasional background music for effectwhat is god spelt backwards?

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

no

Any additional comments?

made me realise how much religion is bad for people.

Mind expanding

Sure, he was preaching (pun intended) to the converted, but Richard Dawkins also gives you a lot to think about in this great book. I was facilitated as I listened to different theories on why religious folk can be such nut bags. Give it a listen, test your faith or confirm your convictions.

Consciousness raised

Thoroughly rational, well laid out arguments for the ideas presented. This is not a rally cry for fellow atheists, rather a comprehensive discussion on why there is such a need to be more educated and informed on this critical issue. Lalla's interjections as 2nd narrator is at times jarring but the purpose of punctuating certain points is generally effective.

awesome experience

awesome book that expands the frontiers of your understanding. hard hitting style. gripping. finally, sensitive to meaningfully place the personal experience of a larger context

Excellent

Dawkins has been a major contributor to my education on evolution and natural selection. His style and presentation gets complex ideas across with clarity and simplicity. This is an important work that sadly is unlikely to be experienced by many of those who would receive benefit from it. It has all the clarity of Dawkins at his best.

I particularly liked the "two handed" narration. The alternation of voices is used well to give emphasis and variety and never appears contrived in a way that would have been so easy. More audiobook producers of factual titles should consider using this technique

Entrancing and entertaining

Any additional comments?

This book was entrancing.

For years, I've been lead to believe that this book was a poorly researched, disorganized, poorly supported neanderthal rant against religion. I would have to disagree. I found Dawkins' book to be a methodically logical, well-researched, well-argued and entertaining critique of religion.

Astonishingly, I found that as I read this book in 2014, time and time again in 2007 Dawkins had clearly, succinctly and convincingly countered every apologetic argument and claim I parroted from at least 2009 until 2013.

Perhaps a good reason not to rely on the opinions of others, particularly those with a bias.

Excellent, brilliant everyone should read this!!!

Excellent, brilliant. Everyone should read this.. More of Dawkins please
didn't want it to end