Peter Forbes

There are currently dozens of popular science books on evolution but a new one has joined the essential list: Nick Lane's Life Ascending (Profile), just out in paperback. With great gusto, Lane delivers updates on 10 key topics from the origin of life to ageing. He brings a biochemist's perspective to bear and I defy anyone not to learn something fantastic from this book, however much they think they already know. If you want an antidote to the Jerry Fodor controversy, this is it. Everyone should take the Epilogue - a homage to Jacob Bronowski and the true spirit of science - to heart.