DAWKINS, Richard ~ The Blind Watchmaker : Signed By The Author

FIRST UK PRINTING : Longman Scientific & Technical, Essex : 1986

The First UK printing published by Longman Scientific & Technical, Essex in 1986. 8vo., black boards lettered vertically in gilt to spine with publisher's device to foot; together in the unclipped pictorial wrapper featuring an image by Desmond Morris inspired by the title of the book, and with a black and white photograph of the author to the lower flap; black and white illustrations throughout, together with numerous diagrams and figures; The BOOK with a hint of pushing at the head of the spine, otherwise near Fine; The WRAPPER also near Fine, with just the odd very light scratch. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. First edition, signed (without dedication) by the author to the title page. A copy of the ticket for the signing event in Oxford is also loosely inserted. Dawkins third book, following the success of 'The Selfish Gene' in 1976. Here, the author presents his theories of Natural Selection and the theory of gene-centric evolution, and responds to criticisms made of his previous work. The title is derived from William Paley's 1802 watchmaker analogy, in which Paley argues for a divine creator based on the complexity of living organisms. Dawkins sets out to unravel this concept, most famously using the example of an eye to show that with only minor modifications, a simple organism distinguishing between light and dark can become something more complex. Over an immense period of time, he argues, tiny modifications can therefore produce the complexity of the world as we see it around us today. He goes on to use his theories to argue against the existence of a creator. Often criticised as being a fundamentalist atheist, Dawkins has sometimes been referred to as 'Darwin's Rottweiler' for his advocacy of his evolutionist views. Despite taking part in a small number of public debates, he generally steers clear of discussions with creationists who he believes simply "seek the oxygen of respectability". His views are nonetheless undoubtedly important in the dissemination of views concerning evolutionary biology. “Natural selection is the blind watchmaker, blind because it does not see ahead, does not plan consequences, has no purpose in view. Yet the living results of natural selection overwhelmingly impress us with the appearance of design as if by a master watchmaker, impress us with the illusion of design and planning.”

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Near Fine
JACKET: Near Fine