Bully for Brontosaurus (1991)

A collection of essays by the indomitable Stephen Jay Gould, an intellectual romp through natural history that at once amuses and educates. As with all Gould's books, there are some essays that miss the mark, but overall, this is one of his better. ( )

At the time of review, I'm still reading through this book, but I can say that it is one of my favorite science books that I've read since Alice in Quantumland. Gould's style is accessible, his essays cover a rnage of topics, and I am inspired to hare off on explorations of my own after each one. ( )

Bully for Brontosaurus: Stephen Jay Gould writes another volume of essays that are profound in scope. Trying to review essays in book form is difficult, but taking the task at hand, here is what I have to say.These collected essays are enlightening and thought provoking. They vary in scope and content, but are always stimulating. The author has a knack for making the reader think, as I suppose all good professors should, a task well taken here. The writing is easily followed and straight forward with a smattering of Gould's wit thrown in for spice. The authou's sense of humor is also apparent. The essays are educational, even as the author brings two apparently different articles and ties them together with a common thread. I found a cornucopia of disparate objects that fueled my intellectual pleasure, as I read through the book. Anyone interested in Natural History or just curious about life should read this book. The author's flowing writing style is evident, his teaching skills are there to enjoy and learn from. Read and enjoy good writing.

Natural history/Evolution

This has several of my favorite essays in it - the title one, Canning's rear end, flamingos in the sunset, copying textbooks (and the fox terrier), and the debunking of the Huxley/Wilberforce story. ( )