An Appetite for Wonder

By: Richard Dawkins

Narrated by: Richard Dawkins, Lalla Ward

Born to parents who were enthusiastic naturalists, and linked through his wider family to a clutch of accomplished scientists, Richard Dawkins was bound to have biology in his genes. But what were the influences that shaped his life and intellectual development? And who inspired him to become the pioneering scientist and public thinker now famous (and infamous to some) around the world?

In An Appetite for Wonder we join him on a personal journey back to an enchanting childhood in colonial Africa. There the exotic natural world was his constant companion. Boarding school in England at the age of eight, and, later, public school at Oundle introduce Dawkins, and the listener, to strange rules and eccentric schoolmasters, vividly described with both humorous affection and some reservation.

An initial fervent attachment to Church of England religion soon gives way to disaffection and, later, teenage rebellion. Early signs of a preference for music, poetry, and reading over practical matters become apparent as he recalls the opportunities that entered his small world. Oxford, however, is the catalyst to his life. Vigorous debate in the dynamic Zoology Department unleashes his innate intellectual curiosity, and inspirational mentors together with his own creative thinking ignite the spark that results in his radical new vision of Darwinism, The Selfish Gene.

From innocent child to charismatic world-famous scientist, Richard Dawkins paints a colourful, richly textured canvas of his early life. Honest self-reflection and witty anecdotes are interspersed with touching reminiscences of his family and friends, literature, poetry, and songs. We are finally able to understand the private influences that shaped the public man who, more than anyone else in his generation, explained our own origins.

©2013 Richard Dawkins (P)2013 Random House Audiobooks

A Great Listen!

Would you consider the audio edition of An Appetite for Wonder to be better than the print version?

Yes I would because I can't see well and would never be able to get through text version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of An Appetite for Wonder?

Recollections about life in Africa.

Have you listened to any of Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have and I always enjoy their performances

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes it was

Any additional comments?

This book was great! Looking forward to part 2