EVOLUTION-BIOLOGY 208
BOOK REVIEW STYLE
Book reviews should be written in an essay style and should be
both descriptive and analytic. It is
suggested that a reasonable length is four or five pages, typed and double
spaced.
The descriptive part of the paper should include the name of
the author, title of the book, publisher, place of publication, date and number
of pages. It may include some
information about the author if this is relevant such as his special interest, experience,
occupation etc.
After the introductory remakes, you should be certain to state
clearly the problem with which the author was concerned. (The purpose of the book was to ...) Indicate briefly why the author though it
was important to write the book or to do the study. Why is it important to gain knowledge about this subject?
When the focus of the book has been clarified, you should
comment on the author’s approach.
Indicate how the author approaches the subject.
In two or three paragraphs you should provide a brief summary
of the book taking care to mention the author’s major findings. As a result of reading the book what has
been learned or how has our knowledge in this area been increased? You may indicate what questions the author
failed to answer as well as how adequately he deals with the problems he has
raised. Is the book credible? Did it
present the material in an objective and unbiased manner? You should react critically to the
information presented to you in the book as though the author and you were
having a conversation about a topic of mutual interest. Your reaction may be as important as what he
says.
You should comment on the organization and length of the book.
Is his style verbose or concise, detached or emotional, personal or
impersonal, scholarly or journalistic? In conclusion do you think the book is of current
or permanent interest and do you recommend it to others?