Cloning: A Beginner's Guide [Paperback]

This book is a must read for anyone who wants a clear description of the complex subject of cloning. Levine's account of the historical advances that eventually led to the cloning of Dolly in 1996 is highly informative and entertaining. While the common myths about cloning perpetuated in Hollywood movies are dispelled, Levine presents a balanced view of the ethical issues surrounding cloning and how various governments have responded to the potential benefits and risks associated with this research. I highly recommend this book!

This is a very nicely packed description of the topic. Very well written: includes all the basic information plus a thorough exploration of related issues all delivered in an easy to read, enjoyable, conversational tone. I'm impressed by the amount of information within and the accessibility of its presentation. Not only a great way to access information on the science behind cloning, but a guide to the potential cloning shopper. Read within to see whether you should plan on counting on cloning to provide a repeat pet, a customized kid, or a replacement liver.

Great information for everyone - beginner, policymaker, or scientist looking for insight into the latest on cloning science. A great choice!

"Cloning: A Beginner's Guide" is more than just a mere introduction to the contentious issue of cloning. It is the best, most concise, and clearly written, summary that I have encountered (Indeed I am so impressed with Aaron Levine's skill in handling this subject, that I've recommended to a friend who teaches introductory biology at his college to consider using excerpts from Levine's book in his class.). Levine is also a fine writer who does an admirable job in discussing the issue of cloning from virtually every perspective, without clearly demonstrating any bias - pro or con - for some of its more contentious aspects. Much to my amazement, Levine has covered succinctly in less than 171 pages of text, not only the history of cloning, but its moral, and technological, implications too. In eight terse chapters, Aaron Levine discusses the history of cloning, the importance of embryonic stem cell research as a valuable new means of human therapeutic healing, the ethics of cloning, and its future. Truly, in the best sense of the term "primer", it functions admirably as such, giving readers a superb resource on cloning that they may return to frequently.

The first half of "Cloning: A Beginner's Guide" is devoted to the origins, history, and current status of (vertebrate) animal cloning. In Chapter 1 "What cloning is and why it matters", Levine explains the importance of cloning as both a future reproductive and therapeutic tool, dispelling many of the myths and misconceptions associated with it (The most notable example is one popularized by recent Hollywood films like "Multiplicity", in which adult clones are shown performing daily tasks; a fictional depiction which Levine notes correctly is biologically incorrect for obvious reasons related to normal human growth and development.). The chapter which follows is a brief introduction and history of genetics, cell biology and developmental biology. The third chapter traces the history of successful cloning of vertebrates by embryologists, culminating with the announcement of Dolly's birth in 1996. What follows next (Chapter 4) is an excellent discussion of both actual and potential usage of 21st Century cloning in animals, covering controversial issues such as the usage of cloning in preserving (or reviving in the case of extinct) species perilously close to extinction and in cloning favorite pet animals.

The second half of "Cloning: A Beginner's Guide" is devoted to the technological aspects of human cloning and stem cell research; their potential therapeutic benefits, and, of course, their ethical implications. Chapter 5 is devoted exclusively to stem cell research and the potential therapeutic benefits of human cloning. It is followed by an elegant, admirable survey on the ethical debate over human cloning itself (Chapter 6), covering every aspect, including religiously-oriented opinions expressed by leaders of several of the leading Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. The role of governments in affecting cloning - including stem cell - research is discussed in Chapter 7, comparing and contrasting American government rules and regulations with those in other countries, including the United Nations. Finally, in Chapter 8, Levine offers an eloquent exploration on cloning's future, ending on a somewhat hopefully optimistic note.

Anyone seeking a balanced, terse, yet still extensive, introduction to cloning will find Aaron Levine's book essential, required reading (The book concludes with an excellent, exhaustive glossary of terms and definitions immediately after Chapter 8; it itself is almost worth the price of the book.). Ths fine little book is one which does belong on the bookshelves of anyone - indeed everyone - interested in cloning. I know that mine will occupy an important space on my bookshelves for a long time to come.

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