Evolution books
Last updated: September 29, 2025
Human evolution is a fascinating topic that still sparks a lot of debates. Use this curated list of books to get more knowledge on the subject. You'll learn about the fossil record, genetics, natural selection, and a lot more.
Eve
What is Eve about?
Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution provides unique evolutionary and social history through the lens of the female body. Covering fascinating topics from childbirth to aging, the book aims to understand why the female body works the way it does. Bohannon's premise challenges traditional theories of human evolution, arguing against the male-centric view.
The Origin of Species
What is The Origin of Species about?
"The Origin of Species" is a revolutionary book by Charles Darwin. It explains the changes in species that occur due to natural selection in an accessible and interesting manner. First published in 1859, this work reshaped the world's society, religion, and most prominent philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, and others.
The Story of the Human Body
What is The Story of the Human Body about?
“The Story of the Human Body” sheds light on the evolutionary process spanning millions of years, unraveling the path that led to our present-day appearance. The author gradually unveils the factors behind the transformations in our bodies and the reasons for these changes. You will also learn how our well-being nowadays is connected to the way we have evolved.
Your Inner Fish
What is Your Inner Fish about?
Have you noticed that your hands look a little bit like fish fins? In the book "Your Inner Fish" by Nei Shubin, you'll also find out that our genomes resemble those of worms. The paleontologist researches DNA and fossils and makes his readers look at their bodies in a completely new way!
Why Evolution Is True
What is Why Evolution Is True about?
Despite the rising popularity of creationism and "intelligent design," the truth still belongs to science. In his work "Why Evolution Is True," Jerry A. Coyne clears up misunderstandings concerning evolution and, yes, proves why evolution is true. Read this book to gain a more profound understanding of this amazing phenomenon and equip yourself with unbeatable arguments in case of a dispute.
Sapiens
What is Sapiens about?
“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” is a global bestseller written by the renowned historian Yuval Noah Harari. The book explores how biology and history have influenced our understanding of what it means to be human. Harari describes the evolution of mankind, sharing numerous captivating facts.
The Greatest Show on Earth
What is The Greatest Show on Earth about?
2008 polls showed that many Americans still believed in creationism. Despite Charles Darwin's publication of "The Origin of Species," millions still doubt evolution. "The Greatest Show on Earth" by Richard Dawkins defends evolution and emphasizes how important it is to teach evolution in schools.
Genome
What is Genome about?
In his book "Genome," Matt Ridley explains what a genome is and how it works. The questions this book raises will transform how you perceive longevity, diseases, and inheritability. Matt Ridley depicts the history of our species by using one gene from each pair of chromosomes as an example.
The Selfish Gene
What is The Selfish Gene about?
"The Selfish Gene" by Richard Dawkins is a groundbreaking book on evolution. Here, you will learn about the theory of natural selection and genes. Do you know why bees will die to protect their hive? If the answer is "no," it's time to read this book.
Free Agents
What is Free Agents about?
Leading neuroscientist Kevin Mitchell takes an evolutionary approach to the question of human free will in his Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will. He argues that humans, like all forms of life, are not just mere machines responding to physical forces but agents acting with purpose. Combining findings from multiple scientific and philosophical disciplines, Mitchell also delves into the moral, legal, and philosophical implications of free will.
The Blind Watchmaker
What is The Blind Watchmaker about?
Read "The Blind Watchmaker" by Richard Dawkins if you want to understand evolution. Dawkins proves that Darwinian natural selection is an unconscious and automatic process, like a "blind" watchmaker. The author explains how simple organisms evolve and create the world we see today.
Cosmos
What is Cosmos about?
Explore the wonders of science with Carl Sagan's book "Cosmos." What's the origin of life? How have the galaxies been evolving? You will find answers to these and many other questions in "Cosmos." So, learn the miracles of our world with Carl Sagan.
The Complete Human Body The Definitive Visual Guide
What is The Complete Human Body The Definitive Visual Guide about?
Dr. Alice Roberts gives us a chance to look at our ancestors and how the evolution of Homo Sapiens shaped our anatomy. You will also learn about your DNA, cardiovascular and digestive systems, skeleton, and muscles. Read on and learn more about your body.
The Red Queen
What is The Red Queen about?
In "The Red Queen," Mat Ridley explains why sex is humans' defense against biological challenges. In this book, you'll discover amazing secrets of human behavior, from the endurance of beauty standards to marriage infidelity.
The Vital Question
What is The Vital Question about?
In "The Vital Question," Nick Lane, a biochemist, studies a fundamental mystery: why does life operate the way it does, and how did it all begin? Lane argues that focusing solely on genetics isn't enough. He proposes that the origin and evolution of complex life is tied to how cells utilize energy. The book explores the power of energy in shaping the course of evolution and many more.
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