Biology and nature · Popular science
The Selfish Gene
Richard Dawkins explains evolution from the point of view of genes, arguing that organisms are vehicles for self-copying genes. The book also introduces the idea of memes as units of cultural copying.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1976
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 657
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a clear, influential introduction to gene-centred evolution.
Skip this if you want an up-to-date overview of modern biology or find strong claims off-putting.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Quick answers about The Selfish Gene
- What is The Selfish Gene about?
- Richard Dawkins explains evolution from the point of view of genes, arguing that organisms are vehicles for self-copying genes. The book also introduces the idea of memes as units of cultural copying.
- Who should read The Selfish Gene?
- Read it if you want a clear, influential introduction to gene-centred evolution. Skip it if you want an up-to-date overview of modern biology or find strong claims off-putting.
- How long and how fast is The Selfish Gene?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 657 pages, first published in 1976.
- Does The Selfish Gene have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow The Selfish Gene for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Selfish Gene; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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