Genes and Memes

Abstract

The Extended Phenotype is a sequel to The Selfish Gene. Although Dawkins has aimed his second book primarily at professional biologists, he writes so clearly that it could be understood by anyone prepared to make a serious effort. The Selfish Gene was unusual in that, although written as a popular account, it made an original contribution to biology. Further, the contribution itself was of an unusual kind. Unlike David Lack’s classic Life of the Robin — also an original contribution in popular form — The Selfish Gene reports no new facts. Nor does it contain any new mathematical models — indeed it contains no mathematics at all. What it does offer is a new world view.