This is a fascinating book filled with lucid prose and seductive reasoning.
Freelance science writer Ridley reaches into the literature of genetics;
molecular, theoretical and evolutionary biology; ecology; sociology; and
anthropology to weave an extraordinary tale of the evolution of human nature,
beginning with the evolution of sex. Using Lewis Carroll's Red Queen (who
runs as fast as she can to stay in the same place) as a metaphor for
evolution, Ridley shows how sex was the result of an evolutionary arms race
between hosts and their disease-causing parasites. Ridley covers so much
ground that transitions may be abrupt or unclear, particularly in the last
two chapters; also, his review of human homosexuality is thin.
His occasionally pompous style (including his immediate dismissal of those
who do not believe in evolution) may offend some readers. However, Ridley
clearly explains many complex and remarkable concepts for a wide audience.
Highly recommended.

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