About Richard Dawkins

Richard Dawkins is a British evolutionary biologist and author. He is an emeritus fellow of New College, Oxford, and was a Professor for Public Understanding of Science at the University of Oxford from 1995 to 2008. His 1976 book, The Selfish Gene, popularised the gene-centered view of evolution, as well as coining the term meme.

Dawkins was born in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1941. He received his B.A. in zoology from the University of Oxford in 1962 and his D.Phil. in zoology from the University of Oxford in 1966. He taught zoology at the University of California, Berkeley, from 1967 to 1970, and at the University of Oxford from 1970 to 2008.

Dawkins is a prolific writer and has published numerous books and articles on evolution, religion, and science. His books have been translated into over forty languages and have sold over five million copies worldwide. In addition to The Selfish Gene, some of his other notable books include The Blind Watchmaker (1986), River Out of Eden (1995), and The God Delusion (2006).

Dawkins is a strong advocate for science education and public understanding of science. He is also a vocal atheist and has been critical of religion and its role in society. He is a member of the Royal Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Dawkins has received numerous awards for his work, including the Royal Society of Literature’s Michael Faraday Prize, the American Humanist Association’s Humanist of the Year Award, and the Lasker Award for Special Achievement in Medical Science. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Dawkins is a controversial figure, but he is also one of the most influential scientists and thinkers of our time. His work has helped to shape our understanding of evolution and religion, and he has inspired millions of people to think about the world in new ways.

Richard Dawkins Bibliography

The Selfish Gene (1976): This book is one of Dawkins’ most famous works, introducing the concept of the gene as a unit of natural selection and popularizing the term “selfish gene.”

The Extended Phenotype (1982): Building on the ideas from “The Selfish Gene,” this book expands the discussion to include the effects of genes beyond the individual organism.

Climbing Mount Improbable (1996): In this book, Dawkins explores the concept of cumulative selection and addresses the apparent improbability of complex biological structures.

Unweaving the Rainbow (1998): Dawkins explores the relationship between science and the arts, arguing against the idea that scientific understanding diminishes the beauty of the natural world.

A Devil’s Chaplain (2003): This is a collection of essays covering a range of topics, including science, religion, education, and morality.

The Ancestor’s Tale (2004): Dawkins takes readers on a journey through evolutionary history, with each chapter representing a meeting with a common ancestor shared with other species.

The God Delusion (2006): Perhaps his most controversial work, this book argues against the existence of God and criticizes religion for its impact on society.

The Greatest Show on Earth (2009): Dawkins presents evidence for evolution and provides a detailed explanation of the overwhelming scientific consensus supporting the theory.

The Magic of Reality (2011): Written for a younger audience but accessible to all, this book explains scientific concepts and answers common questions about the natural world.

An Appetite for Wonder (2013): This is the first volume of Dawkins’ autobiography, covering his early life and career up to the publication of “The Selfish Gene.”

Brief Candle in the Dark (2015): The second volume of Dawkins’ autobiography, covering his later years, career, and experiences.