Monad to Man

What is your favourite model of biological evolution? Whether it is rungs on a ladder, the ever-branching tree, or even the more modern image of movement between peaks in a 'fitness landscape', chances are it treats time in just one way: later means better...The idea of evolution was the child of the hopes of progress, as Michael Ruse puts it in Monad to Man, his impressive 'philosophical history' of these notions...Ruse tracks down [this] tendency in the work of innumerable writers...All this makes [his] book a superb summary of the views of every major evolutionist. The result is unfailingly interesting. Ruse presents much to argue with, both for aficionados of evolution and for theorists of science.
-- Jon Turney New Scientist

[A] fascinating, and often maddening book...[Ruse] traces the history of evolutionary thought from Aristotle to Stephen Jay Gould and E. O. Wilson...[Ruse's book] gives us much to think about: the concept of evolution and the evolution of concepts, progress in nature and the nature of progress.
-- Lucy Horwitz Boston Book Review

Ruse provides a history of evolutionary biology from its inception to its belated maturity that is full of insight.
-- David L. Hull Nature

Michael Ruse has written an important book on the status of evolutionism that will almost certainly become embroiled in controversy.
-- Peter J. Bowler American Scientist

Based on comparisons of professional and popular literature and interviews with leading theoreticians, this book presents a thorough overview and synthesis of evolutionary biology. Of significant heuristic value in the debate of the Western predilection for the concept of progress as it applies to evolutionary theory. Sensitive to concerns of many non-scientists for the science of evolutionary biology. Extensive literature cited section. Very detailed and interesting accounts of the many people who have contributed to science of evolutionary biology.
-- Northeastern Naturalist

With verve, humor and much historical color, [Ruse] traces the conflict between the popular conception of evolution and the professionally legitimate version.
-- Jeffrey Marsh Washington Times

What Ruse produces is a grand review, an interesting and informative survey.
-- Arthur B. Cody Toronto Globe & Mail

Monad to Man will be controversial not because of its implications for social and ethical issues, but because of what it says about the scientific study of evolutionary biology...Ruse's writing style is bluff, unselfconscious, and opinionated...[It] does detract from the appearance of neutrality. But it adds immeasurably to the literary value of the book. Monad to Man combines the sweeping history of the science of evolution with intricate details about individual scientists' researches, prejudices, and personal lives...The result is a richly textured narrative...Ruse has certainly established that the ideas of evolution and progress have been closely linked. His thesis that the profession of biology has been shaped by scientists' embarrassment about this linkage will be the focus of further debate. In the meantime he has given us a rich and compelling narrative of the personalities and ideas that shaped the history of evolutionary biology.
-- Ron Amundson British Journal for the Philosophy of Science

The historical and conceptual richness of Ruse's treatment makes it inspiring reading. The book is not intended as a definitive history of evolutionary science. Rather it is a kaleidoscope of events and reflections meant to suggest new questions and inspire further research.
-- Nils Roll-Hansen Nuncius [Italy]

From historical research to interviews with today's leading evolutionary biologists, Ruse's book mirrors the lively debates throughout the history of the field...This thought-provoking and readable book is highly recommended.
-- Library Journal

A book that will instruct, excite, and infuriate a large readership. It makes for compelling reading, even if at times you want to throw it across the room.
-- Robert J. Richards, University of Chicago