Violinist's Thumb
And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code
By Sam Kean | Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
About the book
From New York Times bestselling author Sam Kean comes incredible stories of science, history, language, and music, as told by our own DNA.
In The Disappearing Spoon, bestselling author Sam Kean unlocked the mysteries of the periodic table. In The Violinist's Thumb, he explores the wonders of the magical building block of life: DNA.
There are genes to explain crazy cat ladies, why other people have no fingerprints, and why some people survive nuclear bombs. Genes illuminate everything from JFK's bronze skin (it wasn't a tan) to Einstein's genius. They prove that Neanderthals and humans bred thousands of years more recently than any of us would feel comfortable thinking. They can even allow some people, because of the exceptional flexibility of their thumbs and fingers, to become truly singular violinists.
Kean's vibrant storytelling once again makes science entertaining, explaining human history and whimsy while showing how DNA will influence our species' future.
Editions of Violinist's Thumb
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780316182317
- EBook
- ISBN 9780316202978
Read an Excerpt
From New York Times bestselling author Sam Kean comes incredible stories of science, history, language, and music, as told by our own DNA.
In The Disappearing Spoon, bestselling author Sam Kean unlocked the mysteries of the periodic table. In The Violinist's Thumb, he explores the wonders of the magical building block of life: DNA.
There are genes to explain crazy cat ladies, why other people have no fingerprints, and why some people survive nuclear bombs. Genes illuminate everything from JFK's bronze skin (it wasn't a tan) to Einstein's genius. They prove that Neanderthals and humans bred thousands of years more recently than any of us would feel comfortable thinking. They can even allow some people, because of the exceptional flexibility of their thumbs and fingers, to become truly singular violinists.
Kean's vibrant storytelling once again makes science entertaining, explaining human history and whimsy while showing how DNA will influence our species' future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Violinist's Thumb about?
From New York Times bestselling author Sam Kean comes incredible stories of science, history, language, and music, as told by our own DNA.
In The Disappearing Spoon, bestselling author Sam Kean unlocked the mysteries of the periodic table. In The Violinist's Thumb, he explores the wonders of the magical building block of life: DNA.
There are genes to explain crazy cat ladies, why other people have no fingerprints, and why some people survive nuclear bombs. Genes illuminate everything from JFK's bronze skin (it wasn't a tan) to Einstein's genius. They prove that Neanderthals and humans bred thousands of years more recently than any of us would feel comfortable thinking. They can even allow some people, because of the exceptional flexibility of their thumbs and fingers, to become truly singular violinists.
Kean's vibrant storytelling once again makes science entertaining, explaining human history and whimsy while showing how DNA will influence our species' future.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Violinist's Thumb?
Mathematics and Science > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Genetics (non-medical)
Where can I read a sample of Violinist's Thumb?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780316182317
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Violinist's Thumb?
Sam Kean
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Violinist's Thumb is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780316182317) and ebook(ISBN 9780316202978)
Where can I buy Violinist's Thumb online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Violinist's Thumb from below
Where can I buy Violinist's Thumb?