This panoramic yet penetrating scientific view into the many imperfections of the human genome offers compelling counter-evidence to intelligent design. Why do flaws exist in a world engineered by God? The author extends this age-old question to the most basic aspects of humanity's physical existence, and provides the evolutionary answers.

"Wonderfully crafted."--The Journal of Heredity Mention in Evolutionary Anthropology listed in Birdbooker Report "A wonderful trip through the workings--and non-workings!--of the human genome. The author opens the door to a view of life that is exciting for those who love science and theologically stimulating for those with religious beliefs. Everyone who cares about human nature should read this book."--Michael Ruse, Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy, Florida State University, and author of Darwinism and its Discontents "Over millennia we have become experts in theodicy--vindicating the perfections of God despite the world's errors and evils. Having now discovered a great deal about life at and below the cellular level, we know that our genetic machinery is full of waste, mistakes, dead ends, and the molecular equivalent of evil. No intelligent designer would produce such a mess. But it works, and it is exactly what would result from genetic evolution. In this eloquent look at the human genome, distinguished evolutionary geneticist John C. Avise makes it all clear and accessible."--Paul R. Gross, co-author of Creationism's Trojan Horse: The Wedge of Intelligent Design "With characteristic insight, learning, and clarity, John Avise makes a compelling case for non-intelligent design. There is much to learn from this engrossing and profoundly original book-read on, your interest will never wane."--Francisco J. Ayala, University Professor and Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, and author of Darwin's Gift to Science and Religion "Avise dares to show his readers what's really going on with our DNA...a timely and important work."--BioScience "Avise's account is concise but rich in historic and medical detail, and the prose is elegant and lucid. The book is a joy to read, and is suitable for anyone who is interested in science and medicine enough to be a casual reader of Scientific American or Discover magazines." -- Reports of the National Center for Science Education

John C. Avise is Distinguished Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, at the University of California, Irvine, and an elected member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.