In another part of the environmental forest, Roy Burdon’s The Suffering Gene (Zed Books, £12.99/$19.95) is an unexpectedly satisfying review of the environmental threats to our genes. From gender-bending chemicals to genetic engineering, free radicals to mobile phones, this is as honest, clear and salutary a guide as you will find.
More perspectives from the front line, this time of ecology, in Edward Wilson’s latest prizewinner, The Future of Life (Abacus, £8.99). The great man is living on his reputation here, and some gripping early writing gives way to rather routine conservation proselytising.