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greatest show jacket The highly-anticipated new book from the bestselling author of The God Delusion!

Debuts at #5 on the New York Times Bestseller List! (Oct 11th)
Debuts at #1 on the Sunday Times Bestseller List in the UK!
Debuts at #1 in Australia!
Debuts at #1 in Ireland!
#1 Bestseller in Canada! (Globe & Mail)
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Charles Darwin's masterpiece, "On the Origin of Species", shook society to its core on publication in 1859. Darwin was only too aware of the storm his theory of evolution would provoke but he would surely have raised an incredulous eyebrow at the controversy still raging a century and a half later. Evolution is accepted as scientific fact by all reputable scientists and indeed theologians, yet millions of people continue to question its veracity. In "The Greatest Show on Earth", Richard Dawkins takes on creationists, including followers of 'Intelligent Design' and all those who question the fact of evolution through natural selection. Like a detective arriving on the scene of a crime, he sifts through fascinating layers of scientific facts and disciplines to build a cast-iron case: from the living examples of natural selection in birds and insects; the 'time clocks' of trees and radioactive dating that calibrate a timescale for evolution; the fossil record and the traces of our earliest ancestors; to confirmation from molecular biology and genetics. All of this, and much more, bears witness to the truth of evolution. "The Greatest Show on Earth" comes at a critical time: systematic opposition to the fact of evolution is now flourishing as never before, especially in America. In Britain and elsewhere in the world, teachers witness insidious attempts to undermine the status of science in their classrooms. Richard Dawkins provides unequivocal evidence that boldly and comprehensively rebuts such nonsense. At the same time he shares with us his palpable love of the natural world and the essential role that science plays in its interpretation. Written with elegance, wit and passion, it is hard-hitting, absorbing and totally convincing.

Read an extract from Chapter 1

Imagine that you are a teacher of Roman history and the Latin language, anxious to impart your enthusiasm for the ancient world — for the elegiacs of Ovid and the odes of Horace, the sinewy economy of Latin grammar as exhibited in the oratory of Cicero, the strategic niceties of the Punic Wars, the generalship of Julius Caesar and the voluptuous excesses of the later emperors. That’s a big undertaking and it takes time, concentration, dedication. Yet you find your precious time continually preyed upon, and your class’s attention distracted, by a baying pack of ignoramuses (as a Latin scholar you would know better than to say ignorami) who, with strong political and especially financial support, scurry about tirelessly attempting to persuade your unfortunate pupils that the Romans never existed. There never was a Roman Empire. The entire world came into existence only just beyond living memory. Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Catalan, Occitan, Romansh: all these languages and their constituent dialects sprang spontaneously and separately into being, and owe nothing to any predecessor such as Latin.

Instead of devoting your full attention to the noble vocation of classical scholar and teacher, you are forced to divert your time and energy to a rearguard defence of the proposition that the Romans existed at all: a defence against an exhibition of ignorant prejudice that would make you weep if you weren’t too busy fighting it.
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Read an extract from Chapter 2: The truth dogs reveal about evolution

We can turn to the example of dogs for some important lessons about natural selection. All breeds of dogs are domesticated wolves: not jackals, not coyotes and not foxes. But I need to qualify this in the light of a fascinating theory of the evolution of the dog, which has been most clearly articulated by the American zoologist Raymond Coppinger. The idea is that the evolution of the dog was not just a matter of artificial selection. It was at least as much a case of wolves adapting to the ways of Man by natural selection. Much of the initial domestication of the dog was selfdomestication, mediated by natural, not artificial, selection. Long before we got our hands on the chisels in the artificial selection toolbox, natural selection had already sculpted wolves into self-domesticated “village dogs’ without any human intervention.

Only later did humans adopt these village dogs and transmogrify them, separately and comprehensively, into the rainbow spectrum of breeds that today grace (if grace is the word) Crufts and similar pageants of canine achievement and beauty (if beauty is the word).

Coppinger points out that when domestic animals break free and go feral for many generations, they usually revert to something close to their wild ancestor. We might expect feral dogs, therefore, to become rather wolf-like. But this doesn’t happen. Instead, dogs left to go feral seem to become the ubiquitous “village dogs” — “pye-dogs” — that hang around human settlements all over the Third World. This encourages Coppinger’s belief that the dogs on which human breeders finally went to work were wolves no longer. They had already changed themselves into dogs: village dogs, pye-dogs, perhaps dingos.
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Reviews

"This is a magnificent book of wonderstanding: Richard Dawkins combines an artist’s wonder at the virtuosity of nature with a scientist’s understanding of how it comes to be."
—Matt Ridley, author of Nature via Nurture.

“‘There is a grandeur in this view of life,’ said Darwin, speaking of evolution. There is no one better qualified to convey this grandeur than his worthy successor, Richard Dawkins, who writes with passion, clarity, and wit. This may be his best book yet.”
—V. S. Ramachandran

“To call this book a defense of evolution utterly misses the point: The Greatest Show on Earth is a celebration of one of the best ideas humans have ever produced. It is hard not to marvel at Richard Dawkins’s luminous telling of the story of evolution and the way that it has shaped our world. In reading Dawkins, one is left awed at the beauty of the theory and humbled by the power of science to understand some of the greatest mysteries of life.”
—Neil Shubin, author of Your Inner Fish

“Up until now, Richard Dawkins has said everything interesting that there is to say about evolution -- with one exception. In The Greatest Show on Earth, he fills this gap, brilliantly describing the multifarious and massive evidence for evolution--evidence that gives the lie to the notion that evolution is "only a theory". This important and timely book is a must-read for Darwin Year.”
—Jerry Coyne, author of Why Evolution is True

“Whether or not you accept evolution, you will understand it after reading Dawkins’s clear and fresh presentation of Evolution 101. His ability to explain science through choice analogies and metaphors (embryology as origami!) make accessible the newest research from paleontology to molecular biology, all the while capturing—and expressing—the excitement of the rapidly expanding field of evolutionary biology.”
—Eugenie C. Scott, Executive Director, National Center for Science Education

Look out, creationists. There’s a new sheriff in town, and he talks like an Oxford don … The author opens with guns a-blazing … (and) writes with terrific wit and considerable learning, but what is interesting here is his fire … Without the strictures of academia he relishes the opportunity to light into his opponents. Whether anyone will stand up to refute his notions remains to be seen, but for now Dawkins wins on points. A pleasure in the face of so much scientific ignorance – biology rendered accessible and relevant to the utmost degree .
—Kirkus Review

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Translations

Article-length reviews & media coverage

There is grandeur in this view of life • Richard Dawkins, AAI, RDFRS, Josh Timonen • 18 Nov

Richard Dawkins' talk at the 2009 Atheist Alliance International Conference in Burbank, California.

Evolution basics • Kartik Chandrashekhar - Down To Earth • 17 Nov

His is not the first popular book on evolution. But there is something thrilling about the way Dawkins explains stuff.

Darwinopterus v Dawkins • Jonathan Sarfati - Creation Ministries International • 11 Nov

Pterosaur ‘missing link’ poses problems for a Dawkins’ evolutionary story in The Greatest Show on Earth

British biologist Dawkins puts on evolutionary 'Show' • Dave Verbonitz - TulsaWorld • 10 Nov

...putting aside attacks on religion to produce instead a thorough explanation of how humans and other life forms are linked through evolution.

It's too bad Dawkins has alienated some people • Steve Goble - MansfieldNewsJournal.com • 10 Nov

...the science he presents in "Greatest Show" is breathtaking.

Heaps of evolution evidence • John Horgan - The Philadelphia Inquirer • 9 Nov

Biologist Richard Dawkins presents the basics to assist those "prepared to argue the case."

'The Greatest Show on Earth' • David Perlman - San Francisco Chronicle • 1 Nov

Richard Dawkins, who recently retired from the Oxford University faculty, is a canny, funny and beguiling biologist

Interview with Richard Dawkins - The Greatest Show on Earth • Allan Gregg - in conversation - tvo (Canadian) • 30 Oct

Originally Aired: October 23 10:00 PM - Length 26:55

Richard Dawkins at the Edinburgh Book Festival 2009 • Richard Dawkins • 28 Oct

Richard Dawkins talks about his latest book "The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence For Evolution" at the Edinburgh Book Festival 2009.

Darwin's Rottweiler and Dawkins's Dogma • Ferris Jabr - scienceline • 27 Oct

...“we are better off using a word that ordinary lay people actually understand”—the word ‘fact.’...

The teacher you wish you'd had • Marcus Berkmann - Spectator Book Club • 26 Oct

Sometimes you can become too well known.

The Hour - Richard Dawkins • George Stroumboulopoulos - YouTube - AtheistPride007 • 25 Oct

Interview with Richard Dawkins on The Hour(Canadian)

From Delusion To Denial • Tehelka (Indian Magazine) • 23 Oct

Richard Dawkins’ newest work is hugely rewarding but is it a book for the ages, asks RAJARAM NITYANANDA

Richard Dawkins: Discussion of His New Book, The Greatest Show on Earth • Nicollette Barsamian - Columbia Daily Spectator • 22 Oct

Review of Richard Dawkins' book signing and discussion at the Tribeca Barnes and Noble on Oct 21.

Richard Dawkins defends theory of evolution • Kari Miller - Minnesota Public Radio • 20 Oct

A vociferous defender of Darwin, Richard Dawkins has a new book that lists the evidence that the theory of evolution explains how life on Earth came to be.

Richard Dawkins: Universal DNA Code Is 'Knockdown' Evidence of Evolution • Brevy Cannon - UVaToday • 20 Oct

Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins was on Grounds Friday to discuss his new book

Review - The Greatest Show On Earth: The Evidence for Evolution by Richard Dawkins • John R. Guthrie - California Literary Review • 20 Oct

A Defender of Science

A Raconteur of Nature's Back Story • The New York Times, Sarah Lyall • 19 Oct

It won’t thrill his publishers to hear this, but Richard Dawkins appears largely uninterested in standard authorial topics like his new book, his writing habits or even himself. Instead he wants to talk about giant butterflies and tiny moths, worms disguised as snakes, why goats are related to whales and whether beetles have two sets of wings (they do, and for good reason).

Interview with Richard Dawkins • Ring of Fire, Air America, Richard Dawkins • 18 Oct

Interview with Salon.com • Thomas Rogers - Salon • 17 Oct

The scientist talks about his guide to evolution, his own fame and why it's pointless to argue with creationists

Dawkins Inspires Us to Be More Visible in the Community • Reba Boyd Wooden, Center For Inquiry • 14 Oct

On Monday evening, October 12, I attended a lecture by Richard Dawkins on his new book The Greatest Show on Earth--The Evidence for Evolution which was held on the main campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. It was a very inspiring experience.

Atheist speaker draws crowd • Josh Dawsey - The Dailygamecock .com - USC • 14 Oct

Pastafarians invite bestselling author Richard Dawkins

Biologist Richard Dawkins talks evolution, religion • Alex Benson and Eric Wittke - Indiana Daily Student • 13 Oct

...
Dawkins, a professorial fellow of New College in Oxford, is known for his promotion of “militant atheism." He has authored 10 books, including bestsellers “The God Delusion” and “The Selfish Gene.”...

It's not a theory, stupid • Madhav Gadgil - The Times of India • 13 Oct

The takeaway from this fascinating book, then, is that our being surrounded by endless forms, some most beautiful and wonderful, others dull and nasty, is no accident, but the direct consequence of evolution by non-random natural selection. It's the only game in town, the greatest show on earth.

Atheist talks of his faith in science • Tim Funk - charlotteobserver.com • 13 Oct

Richard Dawkins chuckled when I told him he might have to travel on Billy Graham Parkway when he flies into town next week to speak at Queens University of Charlotte.

Faith and Belief: Richard Dawkins evolves his arguments • Susan Salter Reynolds - LA Times • 12 Oct

After taking acceptance of evolution for granted, the author addresses Darwin doubters in 'The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution.'

Darwin's pitbull: Richard Dawkins on evolution and unintelligent design • Joe Rojas-Burke - The Oregonian • 10 Oct

Dawkins, who will read from his book Saturday at the Wordstock Festival recently spoke with The Oregonian.

Bill O'Reilly vs. Atheist Richard Dawkins • Fox News • 10 Oct

Bill O'Reilly Interviews/Debates Richard Dawkins on Atheism and Science in the Classroom.

Richard Dawkins on BBC 5 Live • Richard Dawkins BBC 5 • 10 Oct

Richard Dawkins is interviewed on BBC 5 Live.

Dawkins at Menlo High School • YouTube - bnakayama • 9 Oct

Richard Dawkins addresses Menlo School in Atherton, CA on October 5, 2009. In this clip (Part 1 of 8), Head of School Norm Colb and faculty member Jack Bowen introduce Dr. Dawkins.

Richard Dawkins on the Lionel Show • Air America Radio • 9 Oct

Richard Dawkins is interviewed on The Lionel Show about his new book The Greatest Show on Earth.

Evolution All Around • Nicholas Wade - NYT • 7 Oct

Richard Dawkins draws from an abundance of scientific resources to explain evolution and condemn it's doubters.

Showcasing the evidence for evolution • Laurence D. Hurst - Nature • 7 Oct

Laurence D. Hurst compares two seasoned authors’ strategies for explaining the difference between evolution fact and fantasy — Richard Dawkins’s thunder and Carl Zimmer’s poise.

Richard Dawkins on The Greatest Show on Earth • theguardian.co.uk - YouTube • 5 Oct

Richard Dawkins talks about why it's time for a book setting out the evidence for evolution, when calling someone ignorant isn't an insult, and how the media have made him into a militant atheist.

Richard Dawkins on Real Time with Bill Maher • Real Time - HBO • 5 Oct

Endless forms most beautiful, indeed! • Michael Ruse - John Barber - The Globe and Mail • 4 Oct

Richard Dawkins's new defence of evolution makes an overwhelming case for what Darwin called descent with modification

Richard Dawkins: 'Strident? Do they mean me?' • Emma Townshend - The Independent • 4 Oct

With his latest book, creationist-basher Richard Dawkins believes he has amassed all the evidence he could ever need to convince unbelievers that Darwin was right. Now he just has to get them to read it...

Oh my Richard Dawkins! • Luke Savage and Alixandra Gould - theVARSITY.ca • 1 Oct

The famous evolutionist’s new book, The Greatest Show on Earth, explains the science behind Darwin’s discipline. But will it convince creationists?

Interview - Richard Dawkins • Edward Keenan - EYEWEEKLY.com • 1 Oct

His Toronto appearance tonight at the Isabel Bader Theatre is sold out, but EYE WEEKLY Senior Editor Edward Keenan interviewed him by phone recently.

Richard Dawkins defends Darwin • John Moore - Newstalk 1010 Toronto • 1 Oct

World renowned atheist Richard Dawkins was in studio talking with John Moore about his latest book "The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution

Richard Dawkins on The Colbert Report • Stephen Colbert, Richard Dawkins • 1 Oct

Richard Dawkins is the guest on Stephen Colbert's "The Colbert Report."

Richard Dawkins Interview at The Royal Ontario Museum • Daily Planet - Discovery Channel • 30 Sept

Evolution - Richard Dawkins • Anna Maria Tremonti - the current cbc.ca • 29 Sept

Radio interview on cbc radio one

Robert Fulford - Evolution's champion Dawkins returns with a new book • Ron Nurwisah - National Post • 29 Sept

Richard Dawkins speaks in Toronto on Tuesday at 7pm at the Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St. West.

The Angry Evolutionist • Richard Dawkins - Excerpted from The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution • 27 Sept

More Americans believe in angels than in evolution—and Richard Dawkins isn't going to take it anymore.

Darwin's Rottweiler • Lisa Miller - Newsweek • 27 Sept

In his controversial bestseller The God Delusion, evolutionary biologist and atheist Richard Dawkins attacked religious belief. He spoke with me about his new work, The Greatest Show on Earth, and his inimitable style. Excerpts:

Are Evolution-Deniers any Different from Holocaust-Deniers, Birthers, or Truthers? • Ali A. Rizvi - Huffington Post • 25 Sept

Could Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who again reaffirmed his belief last week that the Holocaust was a myth, land his own show on Fox News?

Richard Dawkins on CNN's Connect the World • CNN - YouTube - AtheistMediaBlog • 24 Sept

Richard Dawkins tore into religious comfort zones with his claim that God is a delusion, and it seems the British ethologist, evolutionary biologist and author will stop at nothing to provoke intelligent debate about the truth of our existence.

The Interview: Richard Dawkins • Jonathon Gatehouse - Macleans.CA • 23 Sept

On Darwin, faith and natural selection, and why creationists are simply history deniers

Dawkins' evidence for evolution • Simon Mayo - BBC Daily Mayo • 22 Sept

Richard Dawkins, known as Darwin's pitbull, explains his atheism and discusses his new book The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution.