Neanderthals

The Neanderthal Man, by Svante, is a compelling recount by a principal in the discovery of genes of the Neanderthals. It starts with the interest in recovering DNA from old sources, and in this case some liver bought at the local market and then desiccated in an oven at 50C. The tale spans over some twenty years, with diversions typical of science, and ultimately ends with the publishing of some of the most interesting results in understanding man and his evolution.

Svante is an exceptionally good writer and the tale flows quite smoothly. If one understands the science, then one can fill in the gaps and the tales is well presented. If one does not understand the science then one can still appreciate what is happening by taking the results presented at face value.

The tale works back and forth from the fundamental science to the interrelationships between various players in the overall search. Svante shows how he managed to deal with the anthropologists and others to get samples of Neanderthals from as far away as Siberia. It also demonstrates some of the more cooperative nature of science as new techniques is shared and how Svante is assisted by many others who are but in related fields.

The efforts span from California to Eastern Russia and it shows that in today's environment the ability to communicate changed what would have been multi-lifetime efforts into a fast paced move to provide the final answers.

This book is a stark contrast to Watson's Double Helix. The Helix is a strong interplay of personalities; it portrays competitiveness and at times pettiness that is common in certain scientific endeavors. Helix was a true race, a sprint to get DNA right, and a succinct set of observations which became the underpinnings of Svante's efforts. Svante is the opposite of Watson. The ego is missing; the collegiality if present, yet one still sense the pace. Yet it is not a pace with an edge, it is a steady pace to get it right.

This is definitely a great book for those seeking to understand the Neanderthal developments as well as understanding perhaps how the research community has matured as it has expanded.

Also, upon some reflection, I recall when I first read Watson's Double Helix just after it was published I could recognize the highly competitive world of research since I was still at MIT. In contrast Svante portrays a totally different world, one more of communications and cooperation. The worlds of Watson and Svante are separated by some half century, and the difference is startling, one is near ruthless and the other collegial, with a sense of cooperation moving forward. Great job!