The Power of Life: The Invention of Biology and the Revolutionary Science of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
Regular price
$25.50 USD
Regular price
$42.50 USD
Sale price
$25.50 USD
Unit price
per
You save $17.00 USD (40%)
In stock — Ships within 1–2 business days
Format
Print Book
Currently viewing
Hardcover
$25.50 USD
$42.50 USD
Secure CheckoutYour data is protected
Fast U.S. ShippingShips within 1–2 business days
Authentic Titles100% Genuine Books
Book Overview NAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2026 BY THE NEW YORKER"A truly remarkable achievement." --Jill Lepore "A gorgeous story of human nature and animal b...
NAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2026 BY THE NEW YORKER
"A truly remarkable achievement." --Jill Lepore
"A gorgeous story of human nature and animal behavior--and of the way science itself evolves." --Dava Sobel
The tumultuous life and radical science of a revolutionary thinker, and the history of an idea that changed the world
In the early nineteenth century, the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed the first evolutionary theory of life and, with it, a new science: biology. Yet for centuries, evolutionary theorists have endeavored to discredit Lamarck and his theory of self-transforming organisms, rejecting the idea that animals play an active role in shaping their own evolution. In his lifetime, he was mocked by his adversaries and personally insulted by Napoleon. In this virtuosic melding of biography, history, politics, and science, Jessica Riskin sets out to correct the record. Riskin tells the story of Lamarck's life and work as an intense struggle between rival forces to answer questions that remain foundational to our modern worldview: What is a living being, and what is science?
New findings suggest Lamarck's basic claim was, in many ways, right, and a reconsideration of his life and work is long overdue. Denying the agency of living beings has informed two centuries of eugenic policies and environmental destruction, allowing people to regard the living world as so much raw material to shape and exploit for economic, industrial, and imperial gain.
Deeply researched, strikingly original, and beautifully written, The Power of Life shines a much-needed light on an underappreciated biologist whose radical ideas offered a more inclusive, collaborative, and enlightened approach to science.
Book Details Format: Hardcover | Pages: 496 | Language: English | Publisher: RIVERHEAD | ISBN: 0593852575
FormatHardcover
Pages496
LanguageEnglish
ISBN0593852575
EAN9780593852576
PublisherRIVERHEAD
Publication Date2026-03-24
AccessoriesNo Accessory
ConditionNew
Product TypeHARD COVER BOOKS
Weight1.4 Pounds
Length9.31 Inches
Width6.39 Inches
Height1.63 Inches
Shipping & Returns Fast, reliable shipping and easy returns on eligible items.
Most orders ship within 1–2 business days with fast, reliable U.S. delivery.
Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in line with our store return policy.
Why shop with AlbakiReads
Fresh Inventory from Major Publishers
Sourced through trusted book distributors, with fresh titles added regularly.
Secure Checkout
Your payment information is encrypted and protected every step of the way.
Fast U.S. Shipping
Most orders ship within 1–2 business days.
Books for Every Kind of Reader
From page-turners to timeless classics—find your next favorite read.
