This is an interesting and absorbing book, and one which I doubtless will not review in a manner that gives a full appreciation of its scholarship and engaging narrative. I simply do not have the background or training to fully grasp some of the science involved.
Having said that, I skipped not a page, and found myself absorbed by the whole concept of novelty and innovation (a circuit board is a novelty, its wide application is innovation), joined by Darwin and Gould and everyone else in between.
I think I may confidently state that the overall theme of the book is to investigate strands of novel commonality within biology, interlinked with cultural and technological spheres. It seemed particularly noteworthy to me, in an age of reductionism and ever more minute specialization (ask me anything about feathers, but don't ask me about feet) that the concepts of novelty and innovation are shown to have collective application over many disciplines and spheres of life. As is often true, human endeavours mirror nature.
In so many ways the book presents an expanded view of evolution, not purely from a biological standpoint, but encompassing economics,culture and technology.
There are sections of the book that read as lively historical accounts, and for me at least, they were entertaining, all the while linked to the specific nature of the chapter in which they were contained.
The book is exceedingly well written; one often stands in awe of Erwin's adroit use of language. He exhibits great skill in moving the narrative along.
If you happen to read this review, Dr. Erwin, I apologize for its inadequacy, but rest assured that for this layman it informed me greatly and I will come back to it frequently. There is much still to be learned from this magnum opus.
The Origins of the New: Novelty and Innovation in the History of Life, Culture and Technology - Princeton University Press
Douglas H. Erwin
Hardcover - US$45.00 - ISBN: 9780691178943
456 pages - 6.125 x 9.25 inches (15.31 x 23.125 cm) - 14 black-and-white illustrations
Publication date: 17 February, 2026
Nothing like reading a good book ! At home aways from the cold weather...
ReplyDeleteHave a cozy weekend !
Bisous
Anna
Gracias por la recomendación.
ReplyDeleteUn saludo, David.
This seems like an interesting book, David.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a wonderful weekend.
Greetings Irma
Reading about evolution is always exciting David. It looks like a really good book. Darwin is my hero, and I wonder what the world would have been like if he hadn't lived. I imagine we would still be living in the Middle Ages. It's a scary thought, but sometimes it seems like the world is already going back there.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
I have a framed picture of Charles Darwin on my desk, Marit. You are so right about society. We have this strange paradox where we are embracing AI yet denying evolution in favour of mystical creation. Strange indeed.
DeleteIt's so nice that you have a framed picture of Darwin on your desk. I have a very thick book about him in Norwegian. I have read it twice.
DeleteYes, it's very strange.
David, when I read your posts, I try to understand you by thinking about myself and my knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI also read so many poems that I don't have the knowledge and the appropriate education that I need for a better understanding.
And yet I do it, I read the poems line by line, just as you read this book page by page without delving into the sciences related to it.
You should read even if you feel "little" to read a book.
After reading it, you will be more!
You also started these thoughts in me when I read your book recommendation...
Thanks.
Éva
You did an excellent review, David.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angie, but I think you are being a little too kind!
DeleteEvoluution on innostavaa ja tämäkin kirja vaikuttaa hyvin mielenkiintoiselta ja olen Maritin kanssa sama mieltä! Tekoälyn omaksuminen tuntuu kammottavalta!
ReplyDelete...complex I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteThat book sounds way over my head; but glad you enjoyed it. Hope you're staying warm
ReplyDeleteSeems like it may be a book that reminds us how one area of expertise can bleed into another. I'd be very interested in reading it.
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated with novelty and the way it appears in technology and in nature. In Big Magic, fiction writer Elizabeth Gilbert talks about ideas being real things like a Great Blue Heron or a pecan tree, and how ideas will come to us if we watch for them. I'm not sure she means this in a hard science sort of way, but it is still fun to consider. I like it that this author takes a look at novelty across many disciplines. Thank you for sharing this book with us.
ReplyDeleteDavid, I can tell you truly enjoyed this book. Your excitement comes through with your review of the book. I like when your wrote, "Ask me anything about feathers but not feet." Thank you for the great review on the book. Have a nice day today.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a fascinating book, especially how it connects biological evolution with culture and technology. I like that you found it accessible even without a deep scientific background.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like another "must have" book. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really good book David. I was talking today, to my partner, about how there are people who deny evolution! The evidence is there how old our planet is. Technological evolution is an interesting thing too, amazing really. And even within my life time from the early 80s to now.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your book reviews David, thank you!
ReplyDeleteQuerido David si es absorbente y bien escrito ya es para tenerlo en cuenta a la hora de ir a comprar un libro. Un enorme abrazo para ti y para Miriam.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds way over my head but I think also fascinating in its way. After all, you didn't skip a page!
ReplyDeleteThis looks really good! I would love to read it.
ReplyDeleteYou are probably the guy who would get a lot from this book.
DeleteI think you wrote a great review. It's interesting to think about innovation and technology and how it's changed society, sometimes for good and sometimes not. Now if we could use these innovations to help the planet, animals, plants and when I mention animals I also want to include people. Especially in my country that's turned into such a disaster. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteThank you, Erika.
DeleteIt sounds quite fascinating. Thank you for your review.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
A good book is always a great thing! I love your header, David.
ReplyDeleteA good book it seems to study, David. Nice review.
ReplyDeleteInteresting title: novelty and innovation.
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteIt will undoubtedly be a wonderful book/reference. I have to admit, I haven't read much in recent years (or at all, except medical books).
I think this book can and will be a wonderful addition to/in the future :-)
Great review :-)
Kind regards,
Helma
Thank you for sharing this book review David.
ReplyDeleteThis is my kind of book! It's not at the library :-( but I'll look elsewhere. Thanks for sharing--and your review was great.
ReplyDeleteParece un libro interesante. Abrazos.
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