Our Genetic Destiny: Understanding the Secret of Life

Patrick Colgan is the former executive director of the Canadian Museum
of Nature.

This readable study of the science of genetics is intended for a general
audience. There are reviews of historical genetics (from Gregor Mendel
through the double helix and from retroviruses to jumping genes) and
evolution at the levels of both molecules (nucleic acids and proteins)
and organisms (taxonomy, kingdoms, and the Cambrian radiations). There
are also good accounts of the intricacies of anatomical development,
immunogenetics, and the control of cellular physiology. Of particular
interest is the material on genetic diseases (especially cancer),
genetic therapy (including its possible use against the AIDS virus), and
paleogenetics (recovering genes from fossils).

Shah’s direct and conversational text is usefully supplemented by
black-and-white figures. The list of further reading is unfortunately
scanty, and insufficient attention is paid to such topics as genetic
determinism and the ethics of the human genome project. Nevertheless,
this book is a good introduction to contemporary genetics. Recommended.