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The Selfish Gene

Richard Dawkins

ScienceSystems & Complexity
Publish date
1976
Publisher
Odile Jacob
Description
Celebrating 50 years with a new anniversary edition, this critically acclaimed international bestseller has sold millions of copies and been translated into over 30 languages. Among the most influential and enduring science books of all time, The Selfish Gene is a classic in every sense of the word. Originally published in 1976, the book soon galvanized the biology community and fascinated a broad general readership. Professor Dawkins's gene's-eye view of evolution introduced a completely novel way of looking at survival. Fifty years later, The Selfish Gene still sparks fascination and debate among scientists and science-enthusiasts alike, inspiring new directions in research and fresh generations of young life scientists. First-time and returning readers will marvel at the timelessness and universality of this monumental work. In a new epilogue to the 50th anniversary edition, Professor Dawkins reflects on his signature publication and its enduring relevance and appeal. This edition also contains a new appendix, which sheds historical and personal light on the perpetual relevance of the 'selfish gene'. Oxford Landmark Science books are 'must-read' classics of modern science writing which have crystallized big ideas, and shaped the way we think.
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Books cited in The Selfish Gene

Suggested by AI, not verified against the full text. Check the original book before using them as a source.

  1. Adaptation and Natural Selection

    George C. Williams

    Citation

    Key influence establishing the gene-centric view of evolution and criticizing naive group selectionism.

    High relevanceExplore

  2. The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection

    Ronald A. Fisher

    Citation

    Foundational work integrating Mendelian genetics with Darwinian selection, heavily informing Dawkins' thesis.

    High relevanceExplore

  3. Sociobiology: The New Synthesis

    Edward O. Wilson

    Citation

    Major contemporary text on evolutionary social behavior that Dawkins frequently references and evaluates.

    High relevanceExplore

  4. Animal Dispersion in Relation to Social Behaviour

    V. C. Wynne-Edwards

    Citation

    The primary counterpoint representing group selection theory, which Dawkins systematically dismantles.

    High relevanceExplore

  5. On the Origin of Species

    Charles Darwin

    Citation

    The foundational text of evolutionary biology from which Dawkins derives natural selection principles.

    High relevanceExplore

  6. On Aggression

    Konrad Lorenz

    Citation

    Critiqued by Dawkins for misunderstanding natural selection and assuming species-level evolutionary benefits.

    Medium relevanceExplore

  7. The Causes of Evolution

    J. B. S. Haldane

    Citation

    Seminal population genetics text providing early mathematical backing for kinship theory and altruism.

    Medium relevanceExplore

  8. The Evolution of Sex

    John Maynard Smith

    Citation

    Applies game theory models cited in discussions of evolutionarily stable strategies.

    Medium relevanceExplore

  9. The Social Contract

    Robert Ardrey

    Citation

    Popular science book cited critically by Dawkins for its misleading group-selectionist assumptions.

    Medium relevanceExplore

  10. Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution

    Peter Kropotkin

    Citation

    Historic text on animal cooperation cited regarding evolutionary views on altruism.

    Medium relevanceExplore

Recommendations

  • Unto Others: The Evolution and Psychology of Unselfish Behavior

    Elliott Sober and David Sloan Wilson

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    Modern defense of multilevel selection, serving as a prominent counterpoint to Dawkins.

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  • The Blind Watchmaker

    Richard Dawkins

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    Dawkins' follow-up defending cumulative natural selection against intelligent design arguments.

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  • The Extended Phenotype

    Richard Dawkins

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    Direct scientific sequel expanding the selfish gene concept beyond physical organism boundaries.

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  • The Moral Animal

    Robert Wright

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    Explores human psychology and morality through the lens of evolutionary gene-centric biology.

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  • The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature

    Matt Ridley

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    Draws on Dawkins' gene-selectionist framework to explain sexual reproduction and adaptation.

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  • The Meme Machine

    Susan Blackmore

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    Deepens the concept of 'memes', a term originally coined by Dawkins.

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