The Triumph of Evolution: And the Failure of Creationism

by Niles Eldredge

Book Overview

Eldredge presents the most up-to-date examination of the creation-evolution confrontation available. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0716736381
• ISBN13: 9780716736387
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
• Length: 223 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Summary

Non-creationist critics of this book, several of whom seem to have science Phds, need to remind themselves that this book wasn't written for them.. Their knowledge of evolution is assumed, so they should feel complimented. Rather, the book was written for the general reader, and as such it rates a major success in my opinion.. Eldredge uses clear and readable language to inform the public of the parameters and points of contention that exist between creationists and evolutionists, and then proceeds to logically demonstrate the unquestionable cogency of evolution versus the dead end of creationism.. No where in the book does he do this more effectively than in the chapter about hominid endocranial advances in size and shape, leading in a smooth progression to modern homo sapiens.. Eldredge is correct to call this progression of skulls "creationism's worst nightmare". Creationist critics of this work would do well to remember the adage "science deals with unanswered questions and fundamentalism deals with unquestioned answers", or words to that effect.. We can only hope their kids read this book, in order that they launch their educational journey from the firm foundation of the scientific method..

No wonder creationists are writing vitriolic reviews!

Finally! An author who is not afraid to tell it like it is. We've been up on our toes, dancing around this issue, wasting time and energy for far too long. Time to get down in the trenches and slug it out with the forces of compulsory ignorance. As the author states early on, the intellectual debate between evolution and creationism was settled in the 19th Century. Evolution won. So why does the "debate" linger? Eldredge puts his finger on it nicely: Creationism is a part of a political movement designed to tear down the wall of separation between government and religion, pure and simple. He makes no bones about the characters involved, either, and I especially liked his reporting on the likes of GOP House Majority Whip, Tom DeLay and his Right Wing Evangelical ambitions to forge a Fundamentalist Christian Nation (my interpretation, read for yourself.) Fact is, most main-stream Christian, Jewish and Islamic sects have no qualms with evolution (Buddhists certainly don't), realizing perhaps, that acceptance of the science does not make one a traitor to his Faith. But some people... I highly recommend this book, especially for anyone who is going to have to wrestle with these issues, enforced ignorance, and maybe with creationists themselves, not only in the classroom, but in School Board, PTA and other organizations working with the public schools, if not in every day situations in private life.Not only is this a clear and concise summary of the facts and plain truth of evolutionary science, it is nothing less than a primer on how to deal with the irrational folks whose ideas about "science" simply take one's breath away.Arm yourselves, America! Buy the book. The Theocrats want to mold the minds of our children; who will stop them if not concerned and informed teachers, administrators, parents and grandparents?

Superbly Written

...It seems that those who have written previous reviews would disagree with me, but as far as I'm concerned, Edlridge's "Triumph" was far from disappointing. He does an excellent job of refuting all the tired old Creationist arguments, and was a breath of fresh air for those of us who have had little prior exposure about the details of America's Evolutionist/Creationist debate. I also saw this book as a chilling wake-up call to the future of Science education in the United States; when are people finally going to wake up and realize that trying to smother the teaching of Evolution in our childrens' schools is hardly going to get them anywhere? Nowhere in the world is this "debate" as wide-spread as it is in North America. This book is an absolute must for anyone seeking to truly understand Evolution, and to be filled in on all the age-old, nonsensical Creationist arguments which seem so intent upon burning Science education at the stake.

Simple but clear and accurate

If you are confused by the creation-evolution arguments, this book does an excellent job of presenting the picture in simple layperson terms. This is not a heavy duty philosophically tome, but many who are confused just want the situation spelled out in simple terms. He clearly makes the case that creationism, which is a Fundamentalist belief, has no scientific grounds to stand on. He shows that the failure of creationism lies in its premise that you start with a religious belief and try to find proof for it. This is the exact opposite of the scientific method. He also clearly shows how scientists simple go where the data leads them, they have no agenda to prove or disprove anything. If you want a book that is easy reading and informative about the issue, this is it.

Fine review of scientific enquiry

Eldridge may have been motivated by the opportunity to lay to rest an absurd battle, but he has also chosen to use this book as an excellent introduction to scientific enquiry and the fascinating process by which the theories of evolution are developed. A worthy read for anyone who is interested in scientific progress and evolutionary theory over the past two-hundred years. And a very worthy read for anyone interested in non-scientific challenges that must be combatted, especially in the on-going unilateral war against science education in public schools.Eldridge is eminently clear about the battle lines: science v. biblical literalism. (See review above for a vision of what our collective future might be. Ouch!) He does not underestimate his opponent, although he is happy to give them a good ribbing where needed. In angrier hands, this book might have been nothing more than vindictive, but Eldridge maintains a pretty level head; I suppose twenty years of debate against fundamentalists would foster patience. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, as it augers well for the future our public education system might enjoy, and encourages readers to lead the way.