Biologist Carol Kaesuk Yoon explores the historical tension between evolutionary biology and taxonomy. Carl Linnaeus struggled in the eighteenth century to define species in light of their mutability while still relying on intuitive, visual judgments. As taxonomy modernized, it moved into labs, yielding results counterintuitive to humanity's innate predisposition to order the world. By conceding scientific authority to taxonomists, Yoon argues, we've contributed to our own alienation from nature.

About the Author
Carol Kaesuk Yoon received her Ph.D. PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology from Cornell University and has been writing about biology for The New York Times since 1992. Her articles have also appeared in Science, The Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. Dr. Yoon has taught writing as a Visiting Scholar at Cornell University's John S. Knight Writing Program, working with professors to help teach critical thinking in biology classes. She has also served as a science education consultant to Microsoft. She lives in Bellingham, Washington.

Reviews
"A beautiful riddle of a book." -- Time Out New York
"Impossible to put down." -- Booklist
"Starred Review: Superb." -- Kirkus Reviews
"A sensuous delight to read." -- O, The Oprah Magazine
"Starred Review: Optimistic, exhilarating, and revolutionary." -- Publishers Weekly
"Bracing and brilliant." -- Boston Globe
"Ingenious . . . compelling." -- San Francisco Chronicle



Book Information
ISBN 9780393338713
Author Carol Kaesuk Yoon
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 436g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 140mm * 23mm