The Complete Idiot's Guide to Evolution

Leslie Horvitz does an excellent job of breaking up the subject matter of evolution into digestible parts that all flow well together into a complete and accurate whole. Well-versed in learning psychology and effective presentation, the Idiot Guides have been serving all flavors of literacy, well, for many years. The guides promote an understanding of the subject matter and an interest to dig deeper. Evolution, though seemingly a simple concept, can easily be misunderstood. As anyone who has attended a creationist debate will tell you, it is also a subject that is continually abused and misrepresented. It can often be difficult for a layperson to sort through the intricacies of evolutionary theory while simultaneously grasping the larger picture that continues to be developed and improved upon by competent scientists. It's easy to become muddled in the details when trying to understand the complex mechanisms of genetic mutation, natural selection and other sophisticated concepts that can be found within the realms of life on earth. Many people are intimidated by the level of understanding that is required to articulate the subject coherently - not to mention passing that information on to others so they too can understand the complexities of biological change through time. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Evolution provides a worthy introduction to the discoveries that have been made within the evolutionary sciences over the past two centuries. Along with a historical perspective and a glimpse into modern-day controversy and the absurdity that is creationism, we find ourselves able to forge ahead, more knowledgeable - less confused. We are left with a greater appreciation for science and the reality it has afforded our minds to contemplate.