Quest: The Essence of Humanity

by Charles Pasternak (Author), Baruch Blumberg (Foreword), Charles Pasternak (Author)

New
Illustrated
2003
$22.73

An intriguing work of history, philosophy, and popular science that explores the human desire to quest.
Scientists continually look for the genetic factors that make humans so very different in appearance and behaviour from most animals - the genes that are uniquely human. Respected biochemist and author Charles Pasternak argues that such genes do not exist. Instead, he suggests that it is our desire to quest - for food and shelter, for knowledge, for wealth, for adventure - coupled with our unique physical abilities to do so that have controlled our evolution and have led humans to develop away from closely related animals.

In this intriguing work of history, philosophy, and popular science, Pasternak uses his extensive biological knowledge to discuss man's nature and achievements, his genetic makeup, and his evolution.

Synopsis

An intriguing work of history, philosophy, and popular science that explores the human desire to quest.

Scientists continually look for the genetic factors that make humans so very different in appearance and behaviour from most animals - the genes that are uniquely human. Respected biochemist and author Charles Pasternak argues that such genes do not exist. Instead, he suggests that it is our desire to quest - for food and shelter, for knowledge, for wealth, for adventure - coupled with our unique physical abilities to do so that have controlled our evolution and have led humans to develop away from closely related animals.

In this intriguing work of history, philosophy, and popular science, Pasternak uses his extensive biological knowledge to discuss man's nature and achievements, his genetic makeup, and his evolution.

$22.73

Quantity

2 in stock

More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 448
Edition: 1
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 13 Jun 2003
ISBN 10: 0470851449
ISBN 13: 9780470851449

Media Reviews

...I can recommend Quest: The Essence of Humanity...one of the most thought-provoking books to come my way for some time... (The Sunday Telegraph., 20 July 2003)

...fluent, fast-moving...Quest is controversial...which all ambitious works like this one should be... (New Scientist, 23 August 2003)

...This goal seems rather grandiose. But Pasternak succeeds, and in doing so provides a profusion of facts and good science... (Times Literary Supplement, 7 November 2003)

...I really enjoyed this book...What impressed me throughout was Parsternak's use of science... (M2 Best Books, 7 December 2003)

Author Bio

Charles A. Pasternak is a biochemist and founding Director of the Oxford International Biomedical Centre. His previous academic experience has included research and teaching posts at the universities of Oxford, London (St George's Medical School), Yale and California (UCSD Medical School). While at St George's Medical School, he was founder and Chairman of the Department of Biochemistry, which he later expanded into the Department of Cellular and Molecular Sciences.

Charles Pasternak is acclaimed for his pioneering work in membrane research and is a tireless promoter of international collaboration, working with UNESCO, IUBMB and universities worldwide. He is the author of a number of books and is editor-in-chief of a scientific journal. He has recently turned his attention to communicating scientific subjects to a broader readership.

Charles comes from a highly talented family. He is nephew of Boris Pasternak, author of Doctor Zhivago, and grandson of Leonid Pasternak, the Russian Impressionist painter.