Rexcat suggested a little book to me called "The Structure of Evolutionary Theory" by

[Tobin S.]

Last edited Thu Jul 26, 2012, 05:21 AM - Edit history (1)

Stephen Jay Gould so I could brush up on my knowledge of evolution.

I looked it up on Amazon and found it for something like $70 and thought that was kind of steep. But I got to digging a bit and found it elsewhere for $27 and thought that was a fairer asking price for a new hardcover book, especially one that was published in 2002. I had no idea why they'd want $70 for such a book. Amazon is supposed to be cheap!

So, thinking nothing of it, I ordered the book and kind of forgot about it.

I got home today to find a box on my porch and remembered the book. But this box was pretty big for an ordinary book. I thought that maybe I had ordered something else and forgot about it, but I hadn't. This box was a little larger than a cat carrier and it had some weight to it. I opened it up to find my book. It's over 1400 pages long including the index- not exactly light reading either.

I looked it over for a few minutes laughing. I wasn't expecting anything like that!

[frogmarch]

1. Congratulations!

What a good buy!

I've never attempted to read it, but I've read about it - mainly in reviews such as this one:

http://home.planet.nl/~gkorthof/korthof63.htm

[Curmudgeoness]

2. Suggested a "little book", huh?

Yikes. I have not read it, but from what I have read of Gould's books, it should be readable. He is really good at explaining things.

But I have to laugh at the surprise you got upon opening this package up. I'm sure Rexcat is laughing too.

[rexcat]

8. In ever implied that it was a "small" book...

but on the other hand I never said it was 1400 pages.

The only difficult part of the book is his introduction. All of the chapters are easily understood.

[Curmudgeoness]

10. LOL. I've got my eye on you now....

I will be careful about your suggestions from this point on.

But, like I said, Gould is usually a good read.

[rexcat]

11. And what is wrong with a little light reading...

Gould was an excellent scientist and atheist. He did get a little winded with some of his books but the book in question is a great read.

He always refused to debate the creationists. He felt that by debating them it gave then credence.

[Curmudgeoness]

12. What an excellent point---not debating.

I tend to avoid it myself, but more for the reason that it is a losing battle. I might as well beat my head against the wall, like some here seem to enjoy....not me. Besides, I personally couldn't give a shit if people believe or not....as long as they keep it to themselves and leave me alone.

[JNelson6563]

3. Love it!

Fun story!! You guys rock.

Julie

[Odin2005]

4. I read it several years ago, it's ginorous.

[Curmudgeoness]

9. Ginorous? You just made that up!

Or maybe you misspelled "ginormous". I actually had to use google, and there actually was "ginorous" there....

KYJEN Plush Invincible Snake Ginorous Dog Toy "FREE shipping"

LOL.

Sorry, I don't usually do the word nazi thing, but this was too good.

[rexcat]

5. I forgot to say it was 1400 pages...

Sorry about that!

On edit: when I recommend a book, watch out.

[Tobin S.]

6. That's alright.

I'll let you know what I think of it around the end of Obama's second term. That's probably about how long it will take me to read it.

[AlbertCat]

7. It evolved....

.... since your purchase....