Royal Society Science Book Prize Winner
The Language of Genes
by Steve Jones
Summary
A genial introduction to genetics for general readers, using DNA as a lens onto evolution, migration, and human diversity. Jones moves from Mendel and molecular biology to the politics of heredity, dismantling pseudoscientific ideas about race and inherited destiny. His central argument is that genetic variation tells a story of common ancestry rather than meaningful biological hierarchy.
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Historical Context & Significance
Jones famously used genetic data to prove there is more variation within a single African village than in the rest of the world combined.