The Fragile Species Paperback – November 1, 1996

There are a handful of scientifically educated writers who deserve to be numbered among the best prose stylists in the English language. Lewis Thomas is one of those. From his first collection of essays, "The Lives of a Cell" on, his work always delights while informing as well. I sometimes buy several copies of the paperback editions of his works to "lend," knowing that they will disappear into the library of each friend to whom I "lend" a copy. I find that pleasing.

This book is a wake up call for everyone who reads it; Dr. Thomas is not only a superb scientist but a caring person. He show us not only how fast we have progressed technologically but how badly we are handling this knowledge to the point that we risk wiping out not only humankind but that whole of life on earth. He also says a lot to current medical practices. I have bought three more books to give to others.

This is a wonderful and thoughtful set of essays by the rarest type of author. Thoroughly expert without a hint of arrogance but rather wonder explaining the science and then setting out well well considered theories based on the history and advances of the subject matter. A terrific read.

If you love Lewis Thomas, this is a must-have. My husband and I now own all of his essays, which we reread every ear or two. It's always fresh. If you've never read his essays, try them. They are beautifully written with a fascinating view of science.

THOUGH WRITTEN SOME TIME AGO,IT ALL SEEMS CONTEMPORY

Lewis Thomas is a powerful writer and a powerful thinker.

Pleased.

I have been working my way through all Lewis Thomas's prior books. I found them universally well written and brimming with keen observations about life, music, science, and language. This book is somewhat different. The essays here are significantly longer than the prior essays. They were clearly meant as speeches or long articles in scientific magazines. The rallying cries for more basic scientific research and more worries about nuclear warfare are the predominate threads. Published in 1992, The Fragile Species was ahead of the time as Thomas saw the anti-science movement developing. As the world worries about the current saber-rattling of "Little Rocket Man" and our own grossly uninformed POTUS, Thomas issues a clarion call for everyone to more clearly think about what a nuclear confrontation means. Even a "small" tactical nuclear war would leave millions dead and millions more dying. What are the living supposed to do about the bodies? How is the medical world supposed to function in such a catastrophe? These questions and hundreds more need to be explored and thought about HARD.Lewis Thomas isn't here to pose those questions anymore, so it is up to us. The stakes are very high.

I have ordered many books through Thriftbooks and every one has been as described. Very pleased when I see that they have second hand books.

me recomendaron el libro, llegó muy cuidado

I was lucky to obtain this outstanding book. Great quality and fantastic price

Excelente libro, entregado en tiempo y forma, sin quejas por parte del servicio ni del libro, incluso fue entregado antes del tiempo estimado.