The Seeds of Life Reviews

“Fascinating.”

– The New York Times (review is by Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone)

“Engaging and exuberant.”

– The Wall Street Journal

“A wonderful, astonishing story, beautifully told. Edward Dolnick has surpassed himself (and everyone else)!”

– David Wootton, author of The Invention of Science: A New History of the Scientific Revolution

“A delightful history … The Seeds of Life is the best sort of science history, explaining not only how great men made great discoveries, but why equally great men, trapped by prejudices and what seemed to be plain common sense, missed what was in front of their noses.”

– Kirkus (starred review)

“In this unexpectedly amusing history, the author investigates a question few readers will have ever considered: When did people figure out where babies come from? … From the bizarre, including a woman who claimed to have given birth to rabbits, to the divine—some scientists insisted that God’s hand was a critical component to conception—Dolnick follows an array of trails. Combining first-class research and a truly delightful writing style, Dolnick shares his fascination with the history of science and our perception of reproduction in this enlightening and enjoyable read.”

– Booklist

“Where do babies come from? People pondered this question for millennia, yet it was not until 1875 that an answer finally materialized. … Dolnick weaves a suspenseful tale of discovery, failure and often just plain weirdness while never losing sight of the mystery at hand.”

– Scientific American (“Recommended” book)

“A rich and entertaining history”

– Natural History