A Brief History of Creation

Science and the Search for the Origin of Life

By: Bill Mesler, H. James Cleaves II

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

How did life begin? It is perhaps the most important question science has ever asked. Over the centuries, the search for an answer has been entwined with some of science's most revolutionary advances, including van Leeuwenhoek's microscope, Darwin's theory of evolution, and Crick and Watson's unveiling of DNA.

Now, in an age of genetic engineering and space exploration, some scientists believe they are on the verge of creating life from nonliving elements and that our knowledge of the potential for life on other planets is ever expanding. In the midst of these exciting developments, A Brief History of Creation provides an essential and illuminating history of Western science, tracing the trials and triumphs of the iconoclastic scientists who have sought to uncover the mystery of how life first came to be. Authors Bill Mesler and H. James Cleaves II examine historical discoveries in the context of philosophical debates, political change, and our evolving understanding of the complexity of biology. The story they tell is rooted in metaphysical arguments, in a changing understanding of the age of the Earth, and even in the politics of the Cold War. It has involved exploration into the inner recesses of our cells and scientific journeys to the farthest reaches of outer space.

This elegantly written narrative culminates in an analysis of modern models for life's genesis, such as the possibility that some of the earliest life was composed of little more than RNA and that life arose around deep-sea hydrothermal vents or even on other planets, only to be carried to the Earth on meteorites. Can we ever conclusively prove how life began? A Brief History of Creation is a fascinating exploration not only of the origin-of-life question but of the very nature of scientific objectivity and the process of scientific discovery.

©2015 Bill Mesler and H. James Cleves II (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Science explores and explaines the miracle of life

As a physiologist and physician for 50 years, I am greatful how his book revels to the average reader the wonders of how science really works. Truth is the only objective, and this book uncovers how dear it is. Ultimately there is no religious, political or mystical explanation of our world, only science. Ignoring science has cost the lives of millions. This is a must read book for our times.

the timeline approach to this was unique

I appreciate the approach that this book took to telling the story of how humanity has understood creation and our biological origins

Mycket intressant och tänkvärt men

Detta är en bok som alla borde läsa, väldigt tankeväckande och allmänbildande!

Det blev lite tråkigt när det var så extremt långdraget med Darwin. Jag förstår att han är sjukt viktigt men det blir lite tjatigt. Kul att de tog upp Decartes och Volter.

Helt klart en läsvärd bok!

A book I can listen to again and again

I can't recommend this book enough to those interested in the history of biological it's really a fascinating topic and the narrator was pretty good too I really enjoyed this book

Very entertaining and informative.

The material here could be dry and dull but it is not. Very well researched, and presented in a more-or-less chronological order of events with the personalities and discoveries all important to the search for the origin of life. The interplay between the scientists of each generation and the religious as well as those who straddled that fence was well presented and the author refrained from being too judgemental in assessing people of different eras by our modern standards while demonstrating how each successive generation built upon the lessons of their predecessors. A great history of the science.

excellent

A wonderfully written book! Well developed & planned out. Narration was excellent as well.

I would have paid for this book

Great story of the science/ philosophy of creation. Fast and interesting journey thru the centuries.

Fantastic storytelling and science combined

It was nitty gritty and still gave a beautiful overview. The subjects followed together, building naturally. The author makes a point to mention women or lesser known scientists whose contributions have been overlooked. I appreciated that.

Good

I enjoyed kearning about the history of creation and felt the narrative flowed well, I would recommend to people that enjoy science history.

A must read.

The title makes it sounds like more of the same old discussion but it is not. Is the history of the people and the ideas on origin of life from the earliest to current research. The women and men who persisted against all odds to get us where we are today in this reserach. There is so much here that I just never knew. it was throughly enjoyable.