A thoughtful, lively and evocative exposition of the history of genetic engineering.”—Wall Street Journal
“[A] deeply researched and often deeply troubling history of gene science… [in search of] decency and honor in a morally complex field."—New York TImes
"As Gods is an excellent primer for anyone seeking a well-informed discussion of the moral implications of this enduringly controversial science."—Economist
"[A] remarkable jaunt through the twists and turns of the genetic engineering revolution"—Science
“The book provides such rich description that even the most knowledgeable readers, those who are familiar with the field and history of genetics, will learn something new… it will reward those who are interested in the topic with a deeper appreciation of the power, limitations, and potential dangers of genetic engineering.”—Springer
“Fascinating, occasionally chilling and very readable.”—The Times (UK)
“The ideal guide to what is not just a fiendishly complex area of science but also an ethical minefield.”—Mail on Sunday (UK)
“Disturbing and readable."—New Scientist (UK)
“A look at genetic engineering that provides valuable background for rethinking the appropriate uses for these technologies.”—Kirkus
"Lucid analysis [and] evenhanded critique.” —Publishers Weekly
"[A] commendably ambitious, Olympian survey of the 'Genetic Age.'"—National Review
“An engaging, intriguing book about the history of genetic engineering and where it might lead society.”—Library Journal
“With this masterfully written, and deeply researched, book about the birth and future of genetics, Cobb catapults us into a world full of the joys of discovery, the intense rivalries and friendships between scientists, and the many moral and scientific uncertainties about genetics that await us.”
—Siddhartha Mukherjee, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Gene
“A gripping, bawdy tale of science fiction morphing into business history ... Exhaustively researched and beautifully written ... the histories of recombinant DNA, biotech, GMOs, gene therapy, and cloning in a single lively, accessible account.”
—Nathaniel Comfort, Professor of the History of Medicine, John Hopkins University, and author, The Tangled Field
“A riveting guide to the new age of genome engineering, revealing how ideas and technology that until recently existed only in science fiction are now a stunning clinical reality ... Required reading for anyone who cares about the future of humanity and our planet.”
—Kevin Davies, author, Editing Humanity
“The promise of genetic engineering is limitless, the stuff of dreams and nightmares, and that is also the problem, as Matthew Cobb shows us in this elegant and meticulously researched history. Packed with human stories and fascinating detail, this is the journey of discovery that changed how we view life itself.”
—Gaia Vince, author, Transcendence, Adventures in the Anthropocene
“Profound and important ... Written with astute, calm and clear-sighted judgement, The Genetic Age is likely to be the definitive account of the rise of gene biotechnologies. Neither a credulous booster nor a doom-mongering catastrophist, Matthew Cobb steers a prudent path through the promise and perils of genetic engineering.”
—Philip Ball, author, Critical Mass
“A lucid and vigorously insightful account of the pitfalls and triumphs of the twenty-first century's most ethically challenging and potentially world-changing technology.”
—Paul McAuley, author, Fairyland
“A superb account of genetic engineering in life and culture, in all its myriad anxieties and exhilarations. Should we be scared? Read this book and you'll have a sense of the answer.”
—Adam Roberts, author, It's the End of the World
“Powerful gene technologies, long foreseen, are finally with us. Taking the measure of this daunting prospect calls for historical acumen, technical appreciation, and a clear-eyed view of human foibles. As this book attests, Matthew Cobb has all three.”
—Jon Turney, author, I, Superorganism
“A superb guide to the global history of the dreams, fears and science of genetic engineering, and why it matters for tomorrow.”
—Jon Agar, author, Turing and the Universal Machine
“Rich, vivid and well-documented, this is a wonderful introduction to genetic technology, with the take-home message – just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.”
—Michel Morange, author of A History of Molecular Biology
“Matthew Cobb is a great storyteller of science, a tapestry of intriguing and enlightening ideas thoughtfully and entertainingly told.”
—Robin Ince, author, The Importance of Being Interested
“Faced with a new round of genetic dreams and nightmares, Matthew Cobb skillfully sifts the truth from the hype in this thrilling and alarming account of our most dangerous and exciting technology.”
—Paul Mason, author, How to Stop Fascism
2022-09-14
A sober reflection on the promises and perils of genetic engineering.
A professor of zoology at the University of Manchester and the author of Life's Greatest Secret: The Race To Crack the Genetic Code, among other books, Cobb investigates three areas of molecular biology that raise enormous safety and ethical concerns: heritable human gene editing, gene drives, and viral gain-of-function research. In order to fairly assess the current state of these fields, he recounts the history of recombinant DNA research as well as the initial steps toward its commercial exploitation in medicine and agriculture. Readers without a solid understanding of biology will likely find that the scientific complexity of the history robs it of some of its drama. Cobb’s focus, however, is not on the science itself but on the social and political context of these discoveries. In particular, he examines the few moments in which scientists themselves sought to organize public debate about the potential consequences of their work. Most interestingly, Cobb contends that the famous 1975 Asilomar conference, while well intentioned, was limited by its focus on laboratory safety and lacked sufficient discussion of the broader ethical issues surrounding genetic manipulation. This view informs the main conclusion the author aims at the funders, scientists, and policymakers who are his primary audience. He believes the excitement surrounding “inevitable technical solutions,” such as CRISPR gene editing, often distracts from posing a more fundamental question, one that encompasses a wider variety of disciplines other than molecular biology: To which pressing problems are these techniques the safest and simplest solutions? While Cobb is careful to note that there are important potential applications in the three areas that concern him, he concludes that a great deal of research remains a risky solution in search of a problem.
A look at genetic engineering that provides valuable background for rethinking the appropriate uses for these technologies.
