Book Reviews

The Cartoon Guide to Genetics
by Larry Gonick and Mark Wheelis
Harper Collins, 1991

This is the book that you should give to all of your friends, neighbours and people who stop you on the street and ask "what do you do for a living?". Well, if you're a geneticist, anyway.

You might think from the title that this is a funny book, but it isn't, really. It's a very upbeat and informative look at the history of genetics, starting with "ancient times" (a caveman observing the diversity of his environment, i.e. getting chased by a mammoth) up to "modern" times (pondering the future of genetic engineering). While a little dated in terms of the most recent parts, it is still a fascinating look back at all of the major achievements in genetics (Mendel, Oswald Avery, Watson and Crick, and so on). Although the genetics elite may feel a little silly with this on their desks, it's a great review for anyone.

As an adjunct to your library, a quickie review for genetics undergrads, or just a fun way to (try to) get the kids interested, The Cartoon Guide To Genetics has much to recommend it. Not as funny as it sounds, but infinitely more informative.

Review by rwintle

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