Book Reviews

Arthur N. Strahler — Science and Earth History

Prometheus Books, 1987.

This is the definitive book on the scientific arguments for creationism, it is exhaustive and thorough. It is a massive book, 550 double column pages, 600 references cited, a 13 page index, 54 chapters with about 10 illustrations per chapter. As far as I can see, it covers all the main points at issue; the nature of Science, pseudoscience, entropy Omphalos, radioactive dating and creationist arguments for a young cosmos and young earth. However it is especially strong on geological arguments as befits the author, formerly Professor of Geomorphology at Columbia. Nearly half the book deals with this aspect, covering the Biblical view of the Flood and creationist ideas on plate tectonics, the rapid deposition of sedimentary rocks, evaporites and petroleum and ore deposits. It then deals with the scientific account of these matters and finally gives a thorough account of our evolutionary history. It is especially good on human evolution.

I could find no fault with the book either of fact or omission. It is written in an easy limpid style and does not ridicule Henry Morris and John Whitcomb whose book on the Genesis Flood is often the principal target and so open to cheap derision. It is calm, sure and magisterial. This book is essential for any complete understanding of the issues, it will be owned by everyone seeking to master the subject and it will be carried into the room by anyone attempting to debate with creationists.

James P. Hogan — The Code of the Lifemaker

Penguin, 1983.

I have only just met this Science Fiction story but it could have been written for the Skeptic. The villain-turned-hero is a fraudulent stage performer whose act is mind reading, metal bending and other familiar tricks. The real villains are flat-earth creationists who take every word of their scriptures as literally true. (Actually they are machines with bodies and minds that are somewhat human). The heroes are skeptics, liberal and free thinking (just like you and me). It is not perfect but I will not enumerate what I think are weaknesses and some may have to work to finish its 400 pages. The author can not solve the seemingly intractable problem of what to call his inhabitants of Titan (one of the moons of Saturn). Thus we do get passages like "Get thee back to Dork, oh Groork, son of Mork, the keeper of the holy book of Bragwanork, wielder of the sacred sword of Zambendorf, etc". Despite this, it is always lively and intelligent with plenty of creative energy. Give it a whirl.