Tamed: Ten Species That Changed Our World

I have read books about at least 3 of these chapters, but it was delightful to learn new things, newly discovered things. Her arguments seemed pretty balanced (and I'm gauging from where I disagree slightly), her writing was clear, and I found her to be quite funny, not in a gimmicky way but just in her phrasing and observations. I'm a fan. This has been on my list since before Adam Rutherford, but I'm delighted by their professional relationship and dialogue as I've since discovered it.

Quite wonderful. Scientific history brought to bear on us, how we came to be what we are. Almost every sentence drew from me an inner "Yes!" or"Wow" or "Really?" Already enjoyed many of her TV programmes; this the first time as an audio book person. Some quirks of pronunciation which are slightly irritating, but make her more human and less of a prof. It's also bang up to date with revelations from genomics about how things have come about. There's a historiographic angle Too: how scientific knowledge and interpretation has changed over the last hundred years or so, with acknowledgement of the wisdom of Darwin and Vavilov (new name to me).

One of the more engaging books I’ve read recently. It combines a wide-ranging accessible account with a real evocation of leading-edge science (and, even more importantly, the history of leading-edge science).

A difficult to like and difficult to access book. I couldn’t really see where it was pitched. I quite like the writing style and initial introduction had me intrigued, but it was difficult to follow as an audiobook and I do wonder whether having pictures of the different types of horticulture and agriculture that was on, the authors mind would’ve been really useful. I think there’s a lot here that’s worth listening to and I think that anyone with an interesting environmental science will also enjoy this. There is also an audience here for people who have an interest in the near future, and in particular, the effects of climate change on that.

Another author whose books are always very readable and entertaining and with insights that belie meticulous research. I really enjoyed this book looking at the natural history of both animal and plant species that have shaped and continue to shape the human story.

Impressively researched review of 9 species of animals and plant foods which have been pivotal in the development of the human species, tracing their origins through archeology and, especially genetics. The final chapter concentrates on the human species itself, reviewing the latest findings through advanced DNA analysis.

Only read the section on dogs so far but already boring anyone who will listen.