Lives of a Biologist: Adventures in a Century of Extraordinary Science

Beginning with the discovery of genes on chromosomes and culminating with the unmasking of the most minute genetic mysteries, the twentieth century saw astounding and unprecedented progress in the science of biology. In an illustrious career that spanned most of the century, biologist John Bonner witnessed many of these advances firsthand. Part autobiography, part history of the extraordinary transformation of biology in his time, Bonner's book is truly a life in science, the story of what it is to be a biologist observing the unfolding of the intricacies of life itself.

Bonner's scientific interests are nearly as varied as the concerns of biology, ranging from animal culture to evolution, from life cycles to the development of slime molds. And the extraordinary cast of characters he introduces is equally diverse, among them Julian Huxley, J. B. S. Haldane, Leon Trotsky, and Evelyn Waugh. Writing with a charm and freshness that bring the most subtle nuances of science to life, he pursues these interests through the hundred years that gave us the discovery of embryonic induction; the interpretation of evolution in terms of changes in gene frequency in a population; growth in understanding of the biochemistry of the cell; the beginning of molecular genetics; remarkable insights into animal behavior; the emergence of sociobiology; and the simplification of ecological and evolutionary principles by means of mathematical models. In this panoramic view, we see both the sweep of world events and scientific progress and the animating details, the personal observations and experiences, of a career conducted in their midst.

In Bonner's view, biology is essentially the study of life cycles. His book, marking the cycles of a life in biology, is a fitting reflection of this study, with its infinite, and infinitesimal, permutations.

Author: John Tyler Bonner
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Published: 05/24/2002
Pages: 238
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.93lbs
Size: 8.52h x 5.76w x 0.92d
ISBN: 9780674007635
Award: IndieFab awards - Third Place

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2002 pg. 152
Booklist 03/15/2002 pg. 1196
Publishers Weekly 05/06/2002 pg. 46
New York Times 06/16/2002 pg. 27
Choice 11/01/2002 pg. 491

About the Author
Bonner, John Tyler: - John Tyler Bonner was Professor of Biology Emeritus at Princeton University and the author of many books, including Morphogenesis.