Shows how life has evolved as a series of steps to deal with genetic error and coerce genes to co-operate in cells and bodies. Along the way, Ridley discusses two new possible cures for AIDS, speculates on whether we have reached the limit of complexity, and warns against the long-term perils of human cloning.
`Mark Ridley is one of today's leading evolutionary thinkers. In this book he has identified an important problem and tackled it with his usual stylish wit, distinctively literate intelligence, and deep knowledge which is both historically grounded and right up to date. He also has a rare knack of being right.' Richard Dawkins