First we shape evolutionary theory.
Then it shapes us.

Books exploring the impact of theories of evolution on human nature.
Alfred Wallace thought outside the box. He was the co-discoverer, with Charles Darwin, of the theory of natural selection. Between them, of course, they ended up creating another box. A few years later Wallace thought outside that box, too. Natural selection, he argued, couldn't fully account for human nature, there must be some other mechanism. To escape the box he and Darwin had created he ventured as far afield as spiritualism.

In the following books I take up Wallace's quest. I offer them as a treat for people who, like Wallace, relish out-of-the-box thinking. The newest title begins by asking, what kind of theory would it take to account for human nature as we know it? The answer is a new "self-centered" approach to evolution that lays out a new road to self improvement.

NEW


7x10 illustrated handbook format

PUBLISHED JUNE 2010   Buy at Amazon
Self Improvement through
a new approach to Evolution
One of the most amazing discoveries of modern times is, we evolved. Not only our bodies, but also our conscious minds. What kind of process could do that? And if we found out, could we tap into that process to make our selves more amazing?

Yes we could. That's the premise behind this book. It introduces an entirely new way of thinking about the self. What is thinking? Why do we dream? Whatever makes evolution so creative, can we borrow some of that to make our own selves more creative?

The author has professional experience in both the arts and sciences. He brings unique insights to today's most vexing questions: What is the self? Where has it come from? Where is it going?

Illustrated throughout with drawings and cartoons. Sample pages:

Paper, handbook size 7x10 inches, 110 pages, $14.95 USA, £7.95 UK.

Save Our Selves from science gone wrong: PHYSICALISM, NATURAL SELECTION
A manifesto attacking natural selection for being bad science, and for supporting physical determinism. Paper, 176 pages, $14.95 USA, £7.95 UK.
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Buy at Amazon   PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2008

Me and The Genies   A novel of ideas
Humorous romantic novel involving cynical TV executive Henry Lazaard and beautiful scriptwriter Sung-Tin Chi. At the same time, a novel of ideas about evolution. Ideal introduction tor teachers and school board members to issues involved in bringing intelligent design into the classroom. Paper, 220 pages, $14.95 USA, £7.95 UK.
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Buy from Amazon   PUBLISHED JULY 2006

Father, In a Far Distant Time I Find You
The classic tradition of the Utopian novel is here applied to evolutionary theory. Combining a broad historical sensibility with respect for the discipline of scientific discourse, "Father..." imaginatively sets out the terms of the debate. Paper, 202 pages, $21.95 USA, £10.95 UK.
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Buy from Amazon  (RE-) PUBLICATION JULY 2007

Shaun Johnston  PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR: Born in London, my father a Church of England clergyman, I read biochemistry at London's University College, then turned to graphic design. On moving to New York City I became a medical and science writer. I now live in New York State's Hudson Valley where I publish regional Web guides.

My upbringing makes me immune to the lure of the supernatural. I matured first into epiphenomalism, from that into a non-supernatural intelligent design theory. As a result I find myself lodged halfway between the two extremes of scientific materialism and creationism.

Actually, that's probably where most people find themselves. If you think of materialism and creationism as being like a choice between cannibalism on the one hand and strict vegetarianism on the other, what most people want is probably something like beef stew. That's what I offer--the beef stew.