Eight Little Piggies: Reflections in Natural History

Written in a somewhat reflective style, this set of essays, originally from Natural History magazine, provides a great introduction to the quirks of nature and evolutionary processes. Intended to be entertaining as well as educational, Gould seeks fun topics (such as the tricky nature of memory) that are sure to keep the reader involved in the text. In addition, the abbreviated nature of each of the essays keeps the scientific jargon at a minimum, meaning that laypersons and scientists alike can be entertained by Gould's writing. The best thing about this and other books of essays by Gould, however, is the diversity of information pertaining to the evolution of life and ideas contained therein. Want to be the know-it-all at the next office party? This book contains a wonderful and diverse array of scientific trivia assured to impress your co-workers!

Eight Little Piggies: Reflections in Natural History by Stephan Jay Gould is pure Gold or is that Gould. This is the sixth in a series of books on Gould's essays found in "Natural History."We find Gould in a more contemplative mood within these pages, being reflective and personal as he speaks about the importance within our lives of the connections to our past and ancestral generations. But as Gould would put it, " a theme of supreme importance to evolutionists who study a world in which extinction is the ultimate fate of all and prolonged persistence the only meaningful measure of success."There are essays on extenction, fishtails and frog calls, the coloration of pigeons, the eyes of mole rats, and an in depth personal essay about his maternal grandfather. This last essay brought some fond memories back to me, as I was growing up... yet time waits for no man.For variety, range, depth and a refinement in writing style, this tome is one of Gould's best, as you read, Gould hits his stride and leads you toward his conclusions, just like my grandfather taught me to be observent and not take things for granted. But to question, the way things are as they seem, just like Gould does to his readers, bringing information to them and through observation and a brilliant mind making things clear.This is an eductional book, as well, as you read, Gould makes the reader learn painlessly... a good storyteller of thirty-one essays that are truly fascinating. Read and enjoy this well thought out collection of essays.

I admit im not the most interested in some of Gould's subjects (evolution and biology) but he is a great storyteller. He sometimes attacks, sometimes defends some of histories greatest thinkers. I think i'll probably read most of his books (so far 3) in the next few years simply because I like his style and diverse content.

This book is another fine example of the wonderful writings of Stephen J. Gould, Harvard biologist and natural historian. Again , the chapters are culled from his columns in Natural History and present thought provoking glimpses into the world of evolutionary biology. There are only a few writers in the world who can present scientific information in such a way that the multitudes can understand it. This man is truly one of the geniuses of our times and Harvard has been fortunate to have had him on the faculty all these years.

Gould's essays provide a new viewpoint highly accessible to the scientist and layperson alike concerning the evolution of animal body design, mass extinctions, and human hubris concerning our role in the ecosystem. Gould's tone is at times condescending and pompous, and I, as a biologist, find the certainty he lends his conclusions to be disquieting, but overall it is an enjoyable and informative read that will answer many of the layperson's questions about evolution. I read it as an undergraduate and it influenced me to focus on evolutionary and developmental biology.