--- product_id: 57054098 title: "Genome: The Autobiography Of Species In 23 Chapters" price: "VT9663" currency: VUV in_stock: false reviews_count: 12 url: https://www.desertcart.vu/products/57054098-genome-the-autobiography-of-species-in-23-chapters store_origin: VU region: Vanuatu --- # Genome: The Autobiography Of Species In 23 Chapters **Price:** VT9663 **Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Genome: The Autobiography Of Species In 23 Chapters - **How much does it cost?** VT9663 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Currently out of stock - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.vu](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/57054098-genome-the-autobiography-of-species-in-23-chapters) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Buy Genome: The Autobiography Of Species In 23 Chapters Reprint by Ridley, Matt (ISBN: 9781857028355) from desertcart's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Review: Fascinating insight into genes and genetic engineering - This fascinating account of human inheritance has an elegant structure. Various genetic phenomena are discussed, each in one of 23 chapters: each one named (= numbered) after the chromosome pair which is most relevant to that particular subject. So we are guided through the genetics of intelligence, personality, immunity, and the gene-level basis of heart disease, cancers, Alzheimers, and other `partially inherited' diseases. Ridley, as ever, does his research thoroughly, and presents it with brilliant clarity. I found the account of apoptosis (cell suicide), effected by genes `for the good of the body', to be an informative evolutionary basis for better understanding cancer. In another chapter, he discusses the biological benefits of autonomy, comparing (admittedly generalising) the high status, in control, `high serotonin' state with the anxious, impulsive, atherosclerotic, suicidal, `low serotonin' scenario. New snippets of the evolutionary story are revealed. Head-tail and back-front differentiation genes are very similar throughout the animal kingdom, implying a common ancestry. Infidelity is a highly prevalent behaviour in many species.Genes from different animals (including humans) are to a surprising extent actually interchangeable. We glean further insights into the nurture/nature interplay. Environmental triggers can actually switch genes on and off; genes in turn can make us more or less sensitive to our environment. Ridley relates how, with age, as we often become increasingly able to select our own influences, the `genetic' proportion of our intelligence thus tends to increase. In another chapter again, he explores the construction of intricate `genetic geography' which reveal some racial `characteristics'. Conundrums are explored: why do inherited diseases persist in the gene pool? Because gene mutations (changes in the base sequence) often have two separate effects, one beneficial and one harmful. What is the function of all the `junk' (seemingly useless) DNA? A lot of it is random, `phenotype-free' : `hitch-hiking' a ride from generation to generation, on the back of the genes that bother to make the survival machines(bodies)that serve to reproduce DNA so effectively. What you learn depends on what you already knew; but there'll certainly be something for everyone here. I found most gripping the sections towards the end, as we become gradually more aware of the fantastic possibilities of genetic engineering. The account of the (gene-carrying) retrovirus therapy and other genetic `engineering' tricks was riveting. The principles of what had seemed a highly esoteric field became much clearer and more straightforward. He extends his discussions into philosophical areas also. I discovered that many countries - including the US and the UK - took significant steps towards developing and supporting eugenic customs and laws in the 20's and 30's. In another section Ridley briefly discusses the relationship between behavioural genetics and the problem of free will - does chaos theory have a relevance here, explaining the smaller scale unpredictabilities in our decisions ? Overall, this is a key modern topic to obtain some kind of grasp of, and Ridley's book must be as good a way as any of achieving that. Review: Gene stories - Surprised to enjoy the book which is a bit of a whodunnit among genes. Lots of explanations for all manner of interesting human foibles. Very well written, flows along nicely, at a good pace, never mind you down with trivia - a refreshingly easy read. It is scientific but never that deep in science that you get lost. All in all, a book I'm well glad to have found and read. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | 97,176 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 26 in Genetics in Popular Science 158 in Biological Evolution 206 in Basic Medical Science (Books) | | Customer reviews | 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,796) | | Dimensions | 13 x 2.24 x 19.71 cm | | Edition | Reprint | | ISBN-10 | 185702835X | | ISBN-13 | 978-1857028355 | | Item weight | 294 g | | Language | English | | Print length | 352 pages | | Publication date | 16 Mar. 2000 | | Publisher | Fourth Estate Ltd | ## Images ![Genome: The Autobiography Of Species In 23 Chapters - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81v3NKXHeBL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fascinating insight into genes and genetic engineering *by A***A on 30 October 2012* This fascinating account of human inheritance has an elegant structure. Various genetic phenomena are discussed, each in one of 23 chapters: each one named (= numbered) after the chromosome pair which is most relevant to that particular subject. So we are guided through the genetics of intelligence, personality, immunity, and the gene-level basis of heart disease, cancers, Alzheimers, and other `partially inherited' diseases. Ridley, as ever, does his research thoroughly, and presents it with brilliant clarity. I found the account of apoptosis (cell suicide), effected by genes `for the good of the body', to be an informative evolutionary basis for better understanding cancer. In another chapter, he discusses the biological benefits of autonomy, comparing (admittedly generalising) the high status, in control, `high serotonin' state with the anxious, impulsive, atherosclerotic, suicidal, `low serotonin' scenario. New snippets of the evolutionary story are revealed. Head-tail and back-front differentiation genes are very similar throughout the animal kingdom, implying a common ancestry. Infidelity is a highly prevalent behaviour in many species.Genes from different animals (including humans) are to a surprising extent actually interchangeable. We glean further insights into the nurture/nature interplay. Environmental triggers can actually switch genes on and off; genes in turn can make us more or less sensitive to our environment. Ridley relates how, with age, as we often become increasingly able to select our own influences, the `genetic' proportion of our intelligence thus tends to increase. In another chapter again, he explores the construction of intricate `genetic geography' which reveal some racial `characteristics'. Conundrums are explored: why do inherited diseases persist in the gene pool? Because gene mutations (changes in the base sequence) often have two separate effects, one beneficial and one harmful. What is the function of all the `junk' (seemingly useless) DNA? A lot of it is random, `phenotype-free' : `hitch-hiking' a ride from generation to generation, on the back of the genes that bother to make the survival machines(bodies)that serve to reproduce DNA so effectively. What you learn depends on what you already knew; but there'll certainly be something for everyone here. I found most gripping the sections towards the end, as we become gradually more aware of the fantastic possibilities of genetic engineering. The account of the (gene-carrying) retrovirus therapy and other genetic `engineering' tricks was riveting. The principles of what had seemed a highly esoteric field became much clearer and more straightforward. He extends his discussions into philosophical areas also. I discovered that many countries - including the US and the UK - took significant steps towards developing and supporting eugenic customs and laws in the 20's and 30's. In another section Ridley briefly discusses the relationship between behavioural genetics and the problem of free will - does chaos theory have a relevance here, explaining the smaller scale unpredictabilities in our decisions ? Overall, this is a key modern topic to obtain some kind of grasp of, and Ridley's book must be as good a way as any of achieving that. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gene stories *by M***N on 9 June 2025* Surprised to enjoy the book which is a bit of a whodunnit among genes. Lots of explanations for all manner of interesting human foibles. Very well written, flows along nicely, at a good pace, never mind you down with trivia - a refreshingly easy read. It is scientific but never that deep in science that you get lost. All in all, a book I'm well glad to have found and read. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A fantastic tour of the human genome *by M***S on 27 October 2025* Informative, accessible and a really good read! Everything ypu wanted to know about the code that makes you up, but we're afraid to ask. Go pick up a copy and read it! --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.vu/products/57054098-genome-the-autobiography-of-species-in-23-chapters](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/57054098-genome-the-autobiography-of-species-in-23-chapters) --- *Product available on Desertcart Vanuatu* *Store origin: VU* *Last updated: 2026-05-07*