Richard Dawkins Books

The Selfish Gene is a landmark 1976 work in the field of biology: It puts the gene at the center of the process of evolution and explains how, when this is taken into account, genes must be seen as “selfish.” Author Richard Dawkins then uses this theory of gene selfishness to explain the massive variety of animal behavior observable on Earth.

The God Delusion (2006) deconstructs the most popular arguments and reasoning for the existence of God to show the statistical and logical improbability of a higher being’s actual existence. These blinks explain why religion shouldn’t be the foundation for society’s morals and how it can actually be harmful to our ethical standards.

The Magic of Reality (2011) offers an introduction to scientific thinking by going through the ways scientists have explained natural phenomena once thought to be supernatural. Whether shedding light on the building blocks of the universe or explaining the origins of life, scientific reasoning has an answer.

The Extended Phenotype (1982) offers an alternative view on biology and the process of evolution. Breaking with the Darwinian paradigm that puts the individual organism center stage, author Richard Dawkins shifts the focus toward genes as the active agents in natural selection. From this perspective, a world of fascinating insights emerges.

Outgrowing God (2019) shows us why we should all be atheists. Revealing how holy books such as the Bible are full of untruths and historical inaccuracies, Richard Dawkins argues that we can’t take these books seriously, nor should we rely on them for moral guidance. To explain all the awesome complexity and improbability of living things, we should look to science, and specifically to the process of evolution. It is evolution, by way of natural selection, that gave rise to us and other living creatures from the bottom up. 

The Ancestor's Tale by Richard Dawkins is a captivating journey through evolutionary history. Drawing inspiration from Geoffrey Chaucer's medieval classic, it takes us on a pilgrimage with our ancestors, meeting various species along the way. Dawkins expertly weaves together science, storytelling, and a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of life on Earth, making this book a must-read for anyone curious about our evolutionary past.

The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins explores the theory of evolution and challenges the idea that the complexity of the natural world is evidence for the existence of a creator. Using clear and compelling arguments, Dawkins explains how natural selection can account for the diversity and intricacy of life on Earth.

In "River Out of Eden," evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins explores the fundamental questions about life, evolution, and our place in the universe. Drawing on the latest scientific discoveries, he takes readers on a journey to understand how the diversity of life on Earth and the process of natural selection have shaped the world we live in. Thought-provoking and enlightening, this book challenges our perceptions and deepens our appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.