A Devil's Chaplain: Selected Writings

The book is divided into seven sections containing a mixture of pieces of varying lengths covering several themes-- including Darwinism, morality, education, justice, history of science and, of course, religion. Dawkins provides a brief preamble to each of the seven sections while the pieces themselves, selected by Editor Latha Menon, show Dawkins at his captivating best and sometimes his angry, self-righteous side.

Dawkins at his best is peerless as an expositor of the wonders of science, a man for whom science is, as he put it "a source of living joy" and this shines through in many, if not most, of the essays.

He is of course Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and while he denies that scientists have special ethical qualifications he does insist that a proper understanding of our animal heritage ought to change the way we think about ourselves--in particular the way we arbitrarily draw the line between species, between, for instance, the human ape and our brothers the Great African apes. Dawkins is generous in his evaluation of his supposed scientific enemies, such as the late Stephen Jay Gould, and genuinely moving when paying tribute to his own heroes, people such as Douglas Adams and WD Hamilton.

Dawkins is also the current vice-president of the British Humanist Association and, in certain moods, he turns into a savage anti-religious polemicist. Religious folk for Dawkins are, at best, intellectually irresponsible or existentially immature and, at worst, a bunch of cowardly, irrational, dangerous ignoramuses. Religion itself is likened to a disease, or, more accurately, a deadly virus for which the cure is good, clean scientific habits of mind. The aggressively atheistic side of Dawkins is, in any event, as much a call for intellectual independence as it is a call to arms and he is just as eager to take on the quackery of crystal healing, as he is to expose the pretentious verbosity of postmodernist enemies of scientific truth. But whether Dawkins is writing for his fellow professionals or for the general public, he is considered--by friend and foe alike--he's one of the most intelligent, imaginative and inspirational educators alive. As a whole this collection of pieces conveys a faithful impression of the man and his passions. --Larry Brown

Dawkins recognizes that people abhor being called animals. The continuity of life, one of the major themes in this collection, remains an indisputable fact, he stresses. This series reinforces Dawkins' attempts to make us aware that we are part of Nature. He is always witty, using his sound scientific basis and rationale to keep us informed. Science, in his view, must not be eroded by baseless tradition nor false dogmas. The goal of living, he argues, is the understanding of life itself. Religion and philosophy have failed abysmally, the realm of science should be given its opportunity. It's a broad view, sustained by an ability to grasp it firmly. Better yet, for us, it's presented here with verve and dedication.

Segregated into [lucky!] seven sections, each addressing a general theme. He covers many topics in this anthology - evolution, of course, but medicine, genetically modified foods [many foods are hybrids resulting from genetic manipulation], jury trials, intellectual heresies, and even government policies are included. The arrangement presents no difficulty - in fact, each offering might be chosen at random without losing any impact. Selecting a favourite is an arduous task [although it promotes re-reading] but the review of Sokal and Bricmont's "Fashionable Nonsense" ranks very high. The review demonstrates Dawkins' many talents, from insight to incisiveness. Few essayists provide the imagery he can attain to explain an idea.

There are those, particularly adherents of the idea that science lacks morality, who see scientists as cold and distant. Dawkins shows how false this idea is with his laudatory comments on John Diamond, Douglas Adams and William Hamilton. He even extends an olive branch to his academic opponent, the late Stephen J. Gould. As fellow evolutionists, Dawkins and Gould forged a rapport against the rants and duplicities of the Christian creationists. It requires a broad mind to take such steps, and narrowness isn't among Dawkins' blemishes. He's a feeling human being and a tireless campaigner. We would all do well to heed and emulate him. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]


A Triumph of Reason   February 20, 2003
Adam James Cassidy (Nelson, Lancashire United Kingdom)
92 out of 100 found this review helpful

This is collection of essays by Dawkins that have been published over the last 3 decades, with an over arching theme of championing rationalism over the burgeoning amount of mysticism, post-modernistic rubbish and general ignorance of science that meets us today.

All the essays are equally engaging, being passionately and clearly presented. Divided into seven categories they cover the familiar ground of evolutionary principals, memes and genes, cultural relativism and his contempt for all things mystical clearly prevails. The gloves really come off with a damning indictment of religion in general and the ills that it can lead to, which is followed up eloquently in the final essay where he writes an open letter to his 10 year old daughter urging her to think and question the nature of anything before she becomes a victim of any selfishly proliferating memes.

What is striking is the diversity of topics covered. Even if you have read his previous works there are still a few gems of evolutionary theory in there and he covers topics such as speciesism and the ethics of trial by jury in his usual persuasive way. Moreover there are many poignant thoughts on friends and colleagues, with references to Douglas Adams, Hamilton and Steven J Gould.

As is so often with Dawkins, the pages just keep turning and you find yourself more and more enlightened as the hours fly by. A must read for anyone, whether you're familiar with him or not.


Like having an old friend round again.   February 26, 2007
mr Average (England)
20 out of 21 found this review helpful

After reading the god delusion and thoroughly getting engrossed in it;reading the devil's chaplain(written by Richard Dawkins)was like having an old friend back over for a chat.
The book is made up of high quality 'bite size'chapters which you can devour and get totally charmed with.I found my self actually putting the book down and thinking for up-to twenty minutes about the possibilities behind some of the essays and philosophy in the book;before taking another delicious bite.
I would almost go so far as to say that Richard gets close to working out some sort of world piece!,in some of the essays.
I particularly enjoyed chapter 3.2(viruses of the mind)it talked about similarities between the human mind and a computers CPU,in relation to viral influences.
If you are a fan of Richard Dawkins and enjoy his writings popping round for a visit?,please buy the book.


He puts the words into my mouth time and again...   July 12, 2006
alexandra bradley (UK)
37 out of 40 found this review helpful

So many different things I feel and believe about all aspects of this cosmos and our existance in it. Richard Dawkins has the intellect, the passion, the experience and the flair to put so many of my confused and muddled thoughts into sentences of perfect clarity so that again and again I find myself nodding and agreeing with all he has to say as I turn the pages. He can express ideas in a way that others can't. I don't think I have ever heard anyone talk so much common sense. Not only that but his dry wit draws a regular smile from the reader. For me he is a hero and I can't help but sing his praises. It is an easier read than the Selfish Gene, with a wide variance in subject and a less detailed study of theory. Consider it a light hearted yet fascinating study of the world we live in.

Best wishes.


A celebration of Truth, Evidence and Our Universe   July 12, 2006
Mrs. L. Greenwood (England)
36 out of 39 found this review helpful

One of the most engaging books I have ever read. More gripping than any thriller, you will not sleep untill you have read every single page. Covering many subjects from ethics to religion, the champion of atheism, Richard Dawkins, elegantly presents his arguments and views, backing them up with clear observable evidence that leaves you thinking - why didn't I realise that. Many theologans and theists visciously attack his work, but after reading some of their 'high-minded' and 'ritcheous' books, it is clear who is right.
Dawkins does not attack the act of believing, merely renders it illogical. He does not blame religious people, but just accepts that different people have different opinions, and wishes that extreemist would realise this too.
I have spent hours mulling over what is in this book with my peers and I urge people to read this book with an open mind. Some say you can't change a mind entrenched, but such a deeply thought provoking book is well worth a read. This publication provokes debate, and that is what makes it great.