Back to home page
|
Other item info
|
BK054Y0kNg~~_14.JPG)
) 
Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
Portions of this page Copyright 1995 - 2010 Muze Inc. 
All rights reserved.
Item specifics - Nonfiction Books | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| See reviews |
Detailed item info
| Synopsis | |
| The metaphor of Mount Improbable is represented in the combination of perfection and improbability, which is epitomized in the seemingly 'designed' perfection of living things. Dawkins skillfully guides the reader on a breathtaking journey through the mountain's passes and up its many peaks to demonstrate that following the improbable path to perfection takes time. Evocative illustrations accompany Dawkin's eloquent descriptions of natural perfections such as the teeming populations of figs, the intricate silken world of spiders, and the evolution of wings on the bodies of flightless animals. Through it all runs the thread of DNA, the molecule of life, responsible for its own destiny on an unending pilgrimage through time. | |
| Size | |
| Length: | 340 pages |
| Height: | 9.8 in. |
| Width: | 6.5 in. |
| Thickness: | 1.2 in. |
| Weight: | 25.6 oz. |
| Publisher's Note | |
| The towering cliffs of Mount Improbable can never, it seems, be climbed. In Richard Dawkins's remarkable new book the heights of Mount Improbable represent the combination of perfection and improbability that is epitomized in the seemingly "designed" perfection of living things. From the combination of strength and sensitivity of an elephant's trunk to the life-saving camouflage of an ant-mimicking beetle, the living world is populated by creatures that seem miraculously designed for the lives they lead. But these complex and brilliantly effective features cannot have come about by undirected chance. That would be equivalent to scaling the sheer face of the mountain in a single leap. The only way to explain seemingly designed objects is by slow, gradual evolution - inching cumulatively, almost infinitely slowly by the standards of human history, up the gentle paths on the far side of Mount Improbable. Dawkins guides the reader through the spectacular mountain passes of the natural world. We are led through the silken world of spiders; we are shown how wings gradually sprouted on the bodies of flightless animals; we see how the fig is a garden for its own teeming population of insects; and we learn that the eye has evolved no less than forty times independently. And through it all runs the thread of DNA, the molecule of life, responsible for its own destiny on an unending pilgrimage through geological time. | |
| Industry reviews | |
| "But Richard Dawkins is, I think, on the whole, a trustworthy and solid writer, and, as far as I know, the subsequent developments of Darwin's theories of evolution have few more persuasive or intelligent advocates." Spectator - Philip Hensher "Without question [he] is the most brilliant and compelling propagandist of Darwin today." Wired - Michael Schrage "...In reaching out to a broad audience, Mr. Dawkins might help to dispel from receptive minds ignorant criticism of evolution. If so, his book will be of service to science and society." New York Times Book Review - Valerius Geist (09/29/1996) "...read 'Climbing Mount Improbable' for the charming natural history, or if you want an introduction to evolutionary landscapes. But be cautious. Avoid the slippery slopes." Times Literary Supplement - Robert C. Berwick (09/06/1996) | |
All rights reserved.New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1996. Cloth. 340 pages. Illustrations by Lalla Ward. First American Edition Stated, First Printing with complete number line: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0. Near Fine in Near Fine Unclipped Dust Jacket (original $25.00 price top of front flap). Black quarter cloth and custard boards with very bright and unsullied gilt lettering on spine, very square and sharp copy, has two very light dings to bottom edge of text block, else fine, corners sharp, pages clean and bright, binding tight, no writing in book, no previous owner's name, DJ has very light wear to spine ends, else fine, very attractive and presentable. ISBN: 0393039307. NOT ex-library, NOT book club, NOT remaindered. Payment by paypal preferred. Shipping will be $4.00 for USPS Media Mail or $5.00 for Priority Mail (email me with your
zip code for a more exact quote, and ask about international shipping charges). Payment must be received within 7 days of auction close.
 Powered by eBay Turbo Lister The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items. |
Questions and answers about this item | |||
| |||
Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
Shipping and handling
Item location: Seattle, Washington, United States
Shipping to: Worldwide
Shipping and handling | To | Service | Estimated delivery* |
|---|---|---|---|
US $4.00 | United States | US Postal Service Media MailTM | 4-11 business days |
*The estimated delivery time - opens in a new window or tab is based on the seller's handling time, the shipping service selected, and when the seller receives cleared payment - opens in a new window or tab. Sellers are not responsible for shipping service transit times. Transit times may vary, particularly during peak periods.
Domestic handling time |
|---|
Will usually ship within 2 business days of receiving cleared payment - opens in a new window or tab. |
Return policy
| The seller will not accept returns for this item. |
Payment details
| Payment method | Preferred / Accepted | |
|---|---|---|
 | PayPal Preferred |
Back to home page | See More Details about "Climbing Mount Improbable by Richard Dawkins (1996, Har..." | Sell one like thisReturn to top
 About eBay | Announcements | Buy Hub | Security Center | Resolution Center | Buyer Tools | Policies | Stores | Site Map | Help | eBay official time | |||
| |||
| Copyright © 1995-2010 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy. | |||
