The Genetic Age: Our Perilous Quest To Edit Life

Review Fascinating, occasionally chilling and very readable -- Rhys Blakely ― The Times Detailed and deeply researched ... striking ... complex -- Henry Marsh ― New Statesman Disturbing and readable ― New Scientist [A] deeply researched and often deeply troubling history of gene science ... [in search of] decency and honor in a morally complex field. -- Deborah Blum ― New York Times The ideal guide to what is not just a fiendishly complex area of science but also an ethical minefield ― Mail on Sunday There are serious questions about the safety of genetic engineering, but also profound social and ethical questions about its use. Matthew Cobb, in his detailed and deeply researched book ... is concerned as much about these questions as he is about the technical details ... but the book is not a primer for understanding the field; it is much more than that. -- Henry Marsh ― New Statesman Wonderful ... a thoughtful, lively and evocative exposition of the history of genetic engineering. -- Adrian Woolfson ― Wall Street Journal [An] indefatigable exploration of the genesis of biology ... beautifully lays out the sheer improbability of our biosphere. ― The Atlantic A look at genetic engineering that provides valuable background for rethinking the appropriate uses for these technologies. ― Kirkus A truly valuable book ... most of us get very big picture ideas of what's going on with gene editing and other genetic modifications from the media. Now we've got the real story -- Brain Clegg ― Popular Science An engaging, intriguing book about the history of genetic engineering and where it might lead society ... Excellent. ― Library Journal [A] remarkable jaunt through the twists and turns of the genetic engineering revolution ... a valuable new go-to source. -- Luis A. Campos ― Science Cobb does an excellent job describing the history and the nuts and bolts of genetic engineering. But his real focus, as the title of his book implies, is on the sociological, psychological, and philosophical questions surrounding the genetic age. ― GEN Biotechnology His evenhanded critique balances caution about emergent technologies with tart scepticism of overreaching claims ... The result is an eye-opening - and occasionally hair-raising - indictment of scientific hubris and recklessness. ― Publishers Weekly The book provides such rich description that even the most knowledgeable readers ... will learn something new ... fascinating. ― Journal of Medical Humanities Powerful gene technologies, long foreseen, are finally with us. Taking the measure of this daunting prospect calls for historical acumen, technical appreciation, and a clear-eyed view of human foibles. As this book attests, Matthew Cobb has all three -- Jon Turney A superb account of genetic engineering in life and culture, in all its myriad anxieties and exhilarations. Should we be scared? Read this book and you'll have a sense of the answer -- Adam Roberts, author ― It's the End of the World Matthew Cobb is a great storyteller of science, a tapestry of intriguing and enlightening ideas thoughtfully and entertainingly told -- Robin Ince Profound and important ... Written with astute, calm and clear-sighted judgement, The Genetic Age is likely to be the definitive account of the rise of gene biotechnologies. Neither a credulous booster nor a doom-mongering catastrophist, Matthew Cobb steers a prudent path through the promise and perils of genetic engineering -- Philip Ball, author ― Critical Mass Faced with a new round of genetic dreams and nightmares, Matthew Cobb skilfully sifts the truth from the hype in this thrilling and alarming account of our most dangerous and exciting technology -- Paul Mason, author ― How to Stop Fascism The promise of genetic engineering is limitless, the stuff of dreams and nightmares, and that is also the problem, as Matthew Cobb shows us in this elegant and meticulously researched history. Packed with human stories and fascinating detail, this