Arrival of the Fittest

A book of startling congruencies, insightful flashes and an artful enthusiasm that delivers knowledge from the inorganic page to our organic brains. "Kirkus Reviews"(Starred Review) This well-written, clear analysis of current research will be of interest to those who want a better understanding of the mechanisms of evolution. "Library Journal" Interesting results, presented clearly. "Publishers Weekly" "Arrival of the Fittest"contains brand-new scientific insights told in sparkling literary prose. It is a landmark book that combines original, perhaps revolutionary ideas elegantly explained. In particular, the concept of genotype networks that there are thousands of ways to alter a metabolic pathway without stopping it from working promises to solve the enduring puzzle of how natural selection can be such a force for innovation. MATT RIDLEY, author of"The Red Queen" "Arrival of the Fittest"reveals the astonishing hidden structure of evolution, long overlooked by biologists, which makes Darwin s grand idea viable after all. At the same time, it makes life seem even richer and more remarkable than you thought. Darwin would surely have loved this book; I think you will too. PHILIP BALL, former editor at"Nature"; author of"The Self-Made Tapestry" Wagner s engaging and delightful book will open your eyes to the mysteries of innovation. His insights will entertain and astonish you and change the way you think. DANIEL E. LIEBERMAN, Edwin M. Lerner II Professor of Biological Sciences, Harvard University; author of"The Story of the Human Body" A radical departure from the mainstream perspective on Darwinian evolution. Wagner cuts to the core of innovation in living systems. Fundamental. Entertaining. Brilliant. ROLF DOBELLI, author of"The Art of Thinking Clearly" If there is one subject even more controversial than the evolution of intelligence, it is the intelligence of evolution. Andreas Wagner presents a compelling, authoritative, and up-to-date case for bottom-up intelligence in biological evolution, and it sticks. GEORGE DYSON, author of"Turing s Cathedral" Andreas Wagner is one of those rare scientists with the courage and intellect to see the real nature of evolution. FRANK VERTOSICK, M.D., FACS, author of"When the Air Hits Your Brain and Mind" "From the Hardcover edition.""