Books
Although The Bible of the Good and Moral Atheist should serve you as a comprehensive but concise summary of day-to-day Atheism, we understand that many of you might be seeking more information on various aspects of Atheism or Freethought that were either omitted in this work, such as a detailed history of Atheism, or not covered in great detail, such as the arguments for and against god. Since a great deal has been written about these and other subjects of interest to Atheists, we list here in the Book of Books some important works on the subjects of Atheism and freethinking. Books are listed here by subject matter and format, in approximate chronological order within each group, and we have provided a short description of each book as well. We have tried to shorten the list to only the best of the best out of the numerous books available: the most historical, relevant, well-written, and/or readable books. Of course there are texts we have omitted, but the books shown here should serve as a good list for anyone interested in further study on Atheism.
Those interested in discussing the works they have read here, or wanting to search out other volumes for Freethinkers, are directed to www.booktalk.org. Booktalk.org is an excellent website, dedicated to the discussion of freethought books. More information about this site can be found in the Book of Resources.
Please note that while Atheists, like Freethinkers of all types, encourage additional philosophical exploration, it is not a requirement of any sort. You don’t need to be a scholar of baseball history to play baseball, and you don’t have to be a walking Atheist’s encyclopedia to be a Good and Moral Atheist. Read further in other books if you like, or skip to the next chapter, and maybe come back to the Book of Books some other time.
Early Writers on Naturalism, Deism, and Atheism
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
(John Locke, 1690)
Locke’s essay cover quite a few topics other than religion, but in Book IV, Chapter 18, he writes that where there is a conflict between faith and reason (that which can be sensed, seen, or recreated), reason should always come first. A theist, still he relegated faith to the smaller realm of that which cannot be determined by reason.
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
(David Hume, 1748)
Hume’s paper disputes the reality of miracles as merely hearsay evidence, and says that religion, as it relates to the demonstrable physical world, is only superstition.
Reason: The Only Oracle of Man
(Ethan Allen, 1784)
Allen’s treatise on reason attacks religious dogma as superstition, and promotes his Deist philosophy based on reason, nature, and truth.
The Age of Reason
(Thomas Paine, 1794-1795)
This work explains American patriot Paine’s Deist beliefs, and outright denies the basic dogmatic themes of Christianity. It was very radical at the time, and much of Paine’s contribution to the revolutionary movement in the United States was later papered over by those who were upset about his views against the church.
The Necessity of Atheism
(Percy Bysshe Shelley, 1810)
This short treatise, written by Shelley while in college, is a wordy philosophical proof against the existence of god, using the logic and reasoning of the day. In 1811, Shelley was expelled from Oxford for publishing the pamphlet. Many of Shelley’s later works included strong Atheistic themes.
Early Texts on Evolution
On the Origin of Species
by Means of Natural Selection,
or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life
(Charles Darwin, 1859)
Darwin’s groundbreaking work outlines the basic principles and processes of evolution for the first time, while gently skirting the issue of whether man evolved as well, only hinting in that direction. He later clarified his stance on human evolution, in The Descent of Man.
This text is the one that by itself radically changed mankind’s view of the world and how it worked. Although primarily a scientific paper, it was seen as a direct attack on church orthodoxy and established teachings. The result of this work was far-reaching, and any student of either evolution or the history of freethought would do well to read Darwin’s work.
Evidence as to Man’s Place in Nature
(Thomas Huxley, 1863)
Thomas Huxley, famed defender of Charles Darwin and coiner of the term “agnostic,” published this follow-up study four years after the publication of On the Origin of Species. The work applied Darwin’s concept of evolution to humans (and other primates), thus becoming the first book to explicitly suggest that humans were descended from other primates.
The Descent of Man
and Selection in Relation to Sex
(Charles Darwin, 1871)
In no uncertain terms, Darwin states that he too recognizes that man is a product of evolution, just like all other species. This clarified some confusion over his earlier works, in which he had not specifically taken that controversial stance.
Evolution and Ethics
and Other Essays
(Thomas Huxley, 1886-1894)
This collection of five of Huxley’s essays, plus some additional letters he had written, gives us a detailed look into the controversy surrounding the new (in the late nineteenth century) concept of the evolution of species. Additionally, Huxley shows himself to be a strong supporter of capitalism, and interestingly enough he was also an ardent opponent of the founding of the Salvation Army, which in its initial form was much more strident in its aims of promoting Christianity.
The Voyage Of The Beagle
Journal of Researches into the Natural History
and Geology of the Countries Visited
During the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle Round the World
(Charles Darwin, 1909)
This book is a detailed account of Darwin’s travels as a naturalist aboard the Beagle. Darwin wrote regularly while on the ship and on shore, keeping a diary of far more than items of interest to scientists. His journal covers every port of call, and details of the various islands and cities visited. In addition to being a brilliant and groundbreaking scientist, Darwin is also quite an entertaining storyteller.
The Late 19th Century: Rationalism, Freethought, Agnosticism, Feminism, Secularism
Essays on Freethinking and Plainspeaking
(Leslie Stephen, 1873)
These essays by Agnostic and Freethinker Leslie Stephen cover various topics, from the renunciation of the infallibility of the Scriptures by a clergyman in favor of naturalism, to Darwinism, to various philosophical arguments.
The Science of Ethics
(Leslie Stephen, 1881)
Stephen’s work was adopted as a textbook on ethics, laying the groundwork for post-Christian morality.
An Agnostic's Apology and Other Essays
(Leslie Stephen, 1893)
This collection promotes skepticism as the only reasonable method of human thought. Stephen skewers scripted religious doctrine, calling it a rigid adherence to odd explanations of things in areas where we are truly ignorant.
The Woman’s Bible
(Elizabeth Cady Stanton, 1895-1898)
In 1895, famed women’s rights activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote (with a group of other women) a book called The Woman’s Bible, in response to a revision of the bible by the Church of England. In addition to criticizing the degradation of women in the bible, Stanton also “clarified” the bible as being made of a great deal of allegory.
Secular Morality: What Is It?
(Charles Watts, 1880)
Watts discusses Utilitarianism, then goes on to explain secular morality, and why it is superior to religious morality.
The Secularist's Catechism
(Charles Watts, 1896)
Watts uses a Q&A format to discuss Secularism, its ideals, and the goals and aims of the National Secular Society.
Which Way?
(Robert Ingersoll, 1884)
Famed Agnostic Ingersoll writes about the choice between naturalism and supernaturalism, couched in terms that are understandable to the Christian of the day.
Superstition
(Robert Ingersoll, 1898)
Ingersoll attacks all superstitions, from religion to everyday superstitions.
Professor Huxley and Agnosticism
(Robert Ingersoll {and Thomas Huxley}, 1889)
Ingersoll discusses at length a passage by Thomas Huxley on the subject of infidels and religion.
The Rationalist's Manual
(M. D. Aletheia, 1897)
Although The Bible of the Good and Moral Atheist was almost completely written before we discovered The Rationalist’s Manual, there are some astounding similarities. The first half of this well-organized manual covers “Christianism” and its myths (briefly covering other religions as well), explaining the history of biblical teachings and the contradictions and absurdities within. The second part describes Rationalism, covering the origins of the life and the universe using the scientific understanding of the day. It further covers truth and ethics and morality, and the following quote resonates well with our book: “Now, true morality—i.e., the morality the outcome of human love and sympathy, which are the bases of co-operation—will be seen to be of a much higher and purer form…”
Aletheia also has a “moral code” of maxims (similar to the Tenet of Morality), plus special maxims for parents and children, and even a selection of verses for children! There are also sections for holidays, namings, weddings, burials, and the legal concerns of Freethinkers. For those interested in the history of Rationalism, those who want a detailed refutation of Christianity, or those who would like to see what The Bible of the Good and Moral Atheist might have looked like if it had been written a hundred years earlier in London, Aletheia’s often-quoted work is a must read.
Thinkers of the Middle 20th Century
The Atheism of Astronomy
(Woolsey Teller, 1938)
Teller uses astronomical findings to prove that the universe is in no way “designed” or supernatural in origin, and rather is haphazard, wasteful, and utterly natural. His outlook is a bit nihilist, predicting our future to be doomed as spacedust.
The Philosophy of Humanism (originally titled “Humanism as a Philosophy”)
(Corliss Lamont, 1949)
Lamont’s book describes the philosophy behind Humanism, its history and its practice. This is the early authority on the topic, a ground-breaking work that is still quoted by groups as disparate as Humanists and Fundamentalist Christians. For more works on Humanism, look to the sections titled “Modern Works on Humanism” and “Compilations of Humanist Writings” found later in this chapter.
Man and His Gods
(Homer W. Smith, 1952)
This book traces the evolution of religious belief, from the first animist inklings to modern-day structured religious teachings, with all steps in between. With a foreword by Albert Einstein, Smith delivers a great study into the how and why man has become a religious animal.
Atheism: Questions and Answers
(Gora {Goparaju Ramachandra Rao}, 1969-1974)
This compilation of Gora’s answers to questions that were submitted to his weekly publication, The Atheist, covers many philosophical and practical questions about Atheism, religion, and morality. The Q&A format is quite instructive for those wishing to better understand Atheism.
Although Gora disdained totalitarianism and was a strong supporter of democracy and freedom, he was also a devotee to a modified Marxist economic philosophy, and in a few of the questions he attacks capitalism as evil. He improperly bases a purely political stance on his Atheism, which may put off some readers. His insistence on economic equality, though, may have partly stemmed from the inherently unfair caste system in place in India, which left the poor mired in a societal structure that does not exist in many modern democracies, where there are much less of the inherent barriers (besides lack of initial funds) that prevent the poor from working to achieve more in life than that with which they started.
Positive Atheism
(Gora, 1972)
Gora describes what he sees as basic Atheistic morals and philosophy. He further proceeds to describe “Atheistic Economics” (again touting modified Marxism), and other concepts considerably beyond mere Atheism, such as Atheistic Aesthetics. Once again, we remind the reader that Gora’s views are based upon his experience with the caste system in India, and we do not endorse his positions on economic issues.
Atheism: The Case Against God
(George H. Smith, 1980)
Smith argues against god and faith, leaving no theistic escape possible for the true thinker. His non-technical naturalism is clear and understandable, and he pulls no punches with respect to the Christian faith. His approach may come across as a bit strong for those still attached to Christianity.
Personal Accounts of Atheism
Why I Left the Ministry and Became an Atheist
(Vincent Runyon, 1959)
Ordained Methodist Minister Vincent Runyon details his questions of faith, and his subsequent conversion, after twelve years in the ministry, to Atheism. Runyon explains the fallacies of religious philosophy, without getting into detailed Biblical criticism. With sections delineated by simple statements—including the eye-catching “Ministers and Priests are Quacks”—Runyon gives a compelling narrative of his own search for truth and subsequent enlightenment.
Why I Am Not a Christian
And Other Essays on Religion and Related Subjects
(Bertrand Russell, 1967)
Author and noted pacifist Russell delivers compelling arguments against Christianity, while still admiring much of the teachings of Jesus himself. This is an excellent book for those considering Atheism but struggling to leave Christianity. Russell’s book has served as inspiration for the quite a few “Why I am not a …” books and essays, as can be seen below.
We Become Atheists
(Gora, 1975)
This autobiography describes the journey of Indian activist Gora and his wife Saraswathi from traditional Hindu beliefs to Atheism, and their experiences with the Indian independence movement, Mahatma Gandhi, and the spread of Atheism in India. Gora also details Gandhi’s economic equality theories (which he supported), his partial disagreement with Marxism over the concept of free will, and his final decision to support a sort of democratic socialism.
Why I Am Not a Jew
(David Dvorkin, 1990)
Dvorkin’s essay was published in Free Inquiry magazine in 1990, and a slightly different version can be found on the internet today. In it, Dvorkin challenges the tenets of Judaism, both from a religious and cultural standpoint, and explains why the journey from theist to Atheist is considerably different for former Jews than it is for former Christians. His short essay is a strong and sometimes controversial one, even arguing against cultural traditions and secular celebrations of holidays. However, it is well-reasoned, and presents another thoughtful voice supporting Atheism.
Losing Faith in Faith
From Preacher to Atheist
(Daniel E. Barker, 1992)
A preacher following in the steps of Vincent Runyon, Barker tells us why he converted to Atheism, and what problems he found in Christian dogma.
Why I Am Not a Hindu
(Ramendra Nath, 1993)
Professor Nath’s essay was inspired by two books, Bertrand Russell’s Why I am Not a Christian, and Mahatma Gandhi’s Why I am a Hindu. In it, Nath covers the four facets of Hinduism as listed in Gandhi’s work: belief in Vedas and other scriptures (including reincarnation), the concept of castes, the taboo on eating beef, and idol-worship. Nath gives reasons for rejecting each of the facets, and concludes with support for rationalist, secular morality. This text may be confusing for those not familiar with the tenets of Hinduism, but for Hindus considering Atheism, it is essential.
Why I Am Not a Muslim
(Ibn Warraq, 1995)
This book is to the Islamic world what Bertrand Russell’s Why I am Not a Christian is to Christianity. It is a detailed account of the inaccuracies of the Quran and the suffering that the various inflexible doctrines based on literal reading of the Quran have inflicted on the Muslim world. This is a must read for those considering conversion from Islam to Atheism.
Like Rolling Uphill
Realizing the Honesty of Atheism
(Dianna Narciso, 2004)
Narciso tells us of her personal journey from deep Christian beliefs to Atheism. This well-written, subtle and engaging book is a great plain-English story of living as an Atheist. It focuses on the practical, not the philosophical.
Modern Works on Atheism
Arguing for Atheism
An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion
(Robin Le Poidevin, 1996)
Le Poidevin’s important and relevant book is one of the strongest works out there on arguments for and against Atheism. Not only does he deflate the claims of theism, he shows how each argument can be properly viewed to show that it ultimately supports Atheism. He also includes standard arguments for Atheism (such as the problem of evil) and further delves into philosophical questions about Atheism, such as whether Atheists should fear death and whether the structure of religion, absent the supernatural myths, has some value, which Le Poidevin agrees it does. As The Bible of the Good and Moral Atheist covers both topics similarly, we find Arguing for Atheism to be quite a prescient work.
Big Domino in the Sky
And Other Atheistic Tales
(Michael Martin, 1996)
Michael Martin’s unique book uses the formats of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy to explain Atheism and how to live life as an Atheist. His unforgettable stories could rightly be called the “parables” of Atheism.
What Is Atheism?
A Short Introduction
(Douglas E. Krueger, 1998)
This book lives up to its name. Krueger has written a short introduction to Atheism for beginners. It is written simply for a broad audience, and gives a general conclusion with each chapter.
Why Atheism?
(George H. Smith, 2000)
Another brilliant work by Smith, he covers the relationships between faith and knowledge, belief and free will. Many theories are explained and placed into historical context with their authors. He continues by outlining how Atheists philosophically live their lives and view their own mortality.
Atheism: A Very Short Introduction
(Julian Baggini, 2003)
This book lives up to its title. It is a brief synopsis of Atheist arguments, morality, and purpose, and also delves into Atheism in history. This is an excellent introduction to the positive side of Atheism for those who are questioning religion.
The End of Faith
Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason
(Sam Harris, 2004)
In his hard-hitting book, Harris directly attacks religion, showing how religious beliefs threaten the world. He pulls no punches, and passionately argues that religion is the primary cause of intolerance and war in the world today.
Natural Atheism
(David Eller, 2004)
Natural Atheism is guide to a good deal of the “why” questions regarding Atheism. In a friendly tone, Eller covers the philosophical arguments for and against Atheism in great detail, and goes on to cover church-state separation, the various types of Atheism, and the future fight between rationalism and fundamentalism.
Sense and Goodness Without God
A Defense of Metaphysical Naturalism
(Richard Carrier, 2005)
Carrier helps explain the nature of the universe, our place in it, our reason for existence, and how we can be moral, good, loving beings without god dominating our beliefs. He gives a new look and fresh explanations to the issues.
Value and Virtue in a Godless Universe
(Erik J. Wielenberg, 2005)
Wielenberg dissects the underpinnings of traditional theistic morality and meaning of life, compares it to the beliefs of the non-theist, and makes the case for a new ethical character in a world without gods.
Modern works on the History of Freethought and Atheism
Against the Faith
Essays on Deists, Skeptics and Atheists
(Jim Herrick, 1985)
Herrick’s book reads as a history of modern freethought, from early European Deists to Paine’s Age of Reason to the secular preachers of Emerson, Ingersoll, and Twain, and ending with Bertrand Russell. He gives biographies of each, and delves into their lives as well as their works.
2000 Years of Disbelief
Famous People with the Courage to Doubt
(James A. Haught, 1996)
This collection by Haught of short biographies and quoted selections shows the large number of skeptics and doubters among the major philosophers and authors, scholars and inventors, leaders and reformers and revolutionaries in the time since Jesus.
Freethinkers
A History of American Secularism
(Susan Jacoby, 2004)
Jacoby gives a great exposé about the truth about the secular founding of the United States, long-hidden by theists seeking to change the nature of the U.S. toward god-belief. Written as a history book, Freethinkers demonstrates the founders’ original intent, showing the miscarriage of justice due to theistic misinterpretation of secular law.
Compilations of Atheist Writings
Critiques of God
Making the Case Against Belief in God
(Peter A. Angeles {Editor}, 1976 and 1997)
This volume includes many critiques of theism by noted skeptic authors, covering arguments theists use to support their claims. The volume was not updated since the 1976 publication, so more recent arguments have been omitted.
The Encyclopedia of Unbelief/Volumes I and II in One
(Gordon Stein {Editor}, 1985)
Stein’s comprehensive (and pricey) text includes over 100 articles on various topics regarding skepticism and Atheism as they relate to various traditional religions, written by many recognizable authors and authorities.
Anthology of Atheism and Rationalism
(Gordon Stein {Editor}, 1989)
Similar to his 1985 Encyclopedia of Unbelief, Stein has assembled a shorter compilation of thirty essays covering Atheism and Agnosticism, god, revealed religion, Jesus, evil and morality, and the history of freethought.
Women Without Superstition
No Gods - No Masters
(Annie L. Gaylor {Editor}, 1997)
Gaylor’s outstanding compilation includes excerpts from the leading freethinking women of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and their contributions to both freethought and the women’s rights movement.
The Cambridge Companion to Atheism
(Michael Martin {Editor}, available in 2006 or 2007)
Martin has pulled together 18 current leading scholars to write on the topic of Atheism, covering the history of Atheism, challenges to theism, and what implications Atheism has on its adherents and on the world as a whole. This is part of the Cambridge Companions to Philosophy series of books.
Modern Works on Humanism
Forbidden Fruit
The Ethics of Humanism
(Paul W. Kurtz, 1988)
Kurtz outlines the failures of theistic morality, and substitutes a humanist morality for all to use. He covers a range of subjects in detail, including ethics, a point-by-point listing of human rights, a separate section of privacy, and finally the meaning of life without god.
Humanism
(Tony Davies, 1997)
Davies’ book, part of the New Critical Idiom series, is an introduction to Humanist thought throughout history, and the debates and surrounding the philosophy. He gives definitions of terms used in Humanism and related philosophies.
Humanism As the Next Step
(Lloyd and Mary Morain, 1998)
The Morains’ text introduces the readers to the history and philosophy of Humanism. It covers the works of some famous Humanists, and is full of facts and dates for those seeking a good reference on Humanism.
Meditations for the Humanist
Ethics for a Secular Age
(A.C. Grayling, 2002)
Grayling’s text covers a broad spectrum of personal and ethical issues that Humanists face. The book is not prescriptive, and does not give the answers to these tough moral questions, it merely outlines them for the reader to think about on his or her own.
On Humanism
(Richard Norman, 2004)
This book, part of the Thinking In Action series, is a short introduction to science, humanity, morality, and the meaning of life, and how they are represented from the Humanist point of view. Norman also includes an appendix on organized Humanism.
Humanism: An Introduction
(Jim Herrick, 2005)
Herrick gives a great overview of the history and philosophy of Humanism, and shows how the philosophy relates to morality, religion, politics, the arts, and even the environment. He continues with chapters on Humanist organizations and the future of Humanism. This is a wonderful introductory book for those just beginning to explore Humanism.
Compilations of Humanist Writings
Humanist Anthology
From Confucius to Attenborough
(Margaret Knight and Jim Herrick {Editors}, 1995)
Herrick has updated Knight’s outstanding collection of Humanist writings through the ages (published in 1961) with the addition of chapters by over a half a dozen new authors.
The Black Humanist Experience
An Alternative to Religion
(Norm R. Allen Jr. {Editor}, 2003)
Allen’s collection of Humanist writings includes many from both African-Americans and from Africans. The various authors describe their unique journeys from traditional religion to Humanism.
Modern works on Skepticism
Flim-Flam!
Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions
(James Randi, 1982)
The king of the debunkers, magician James Randi, tears apart the cons and the tricks and delusions, and takes some extra shots at his favorite foil, “psychic” Uri Geller.
The Transcendental Temptation
A Critique of Religion and the Paranormal
(Paul Kurtz, 1986)
Kurtz’s book introduces skepticism, then dissects the underlying premises of the major religions. It goes on to debunk claims of the supernatural, and ends with discussion of our fascination with religion and the paranormal.
Looking for a Miracle
Weeping Icons, Relics, Stigmata, Visions & Healing Cures
(Joe Nickell, 1993)
Nickell debunks the so-called “miracles” of Christianity and other religions. It also covers the current abuses by “healers,” and how they make money off the blind faith of their followers.
The Demon-Haunted World
Science as a Candle in the Dark
(Carl Sagan, 1997)
Carl Sagan, the brilliant mind who brought us the society-changing Cosmos, writes on subjects of supernatural and mysterious phenomena as varied as Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster, fairies and demons, ESP and astrology, UFOs and crop circles and Area 51. He picks apart each myth with a scientist’s trained eye, showing the underlying fallacies. Sagan then goes on to show other, true mysteries of the universe, things just as wondrous yet true. His humor, wit, and most of all his intense wonder shines through, making this book not only informative, but incredibly entertaining.
Why People Believe Weird Things
Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time
(Michael Shermer, 1997)
Shermer’s book covers skepticism, and how it can be used against the claims of pseudoscientists, literal religionists, and even revisionist historians. His last two chapters explain why people believe in such nonsense, with his final chapter devoted to why smart people believe in weird things.
The Skeptic's Dictionary
A Collection of Strange Beliefs, Amusing Deceptions, and Dangerous Delusions
(Robert Todd Carroll, 2003)
Carroll’s book reads like an encyclopedia of quackery, myth, legend, superstition, dogma, and fantasy. With short entries for almost every imaginable topic of interest to a skeptic, including astrology, ESP, Noah’s Ark, numerology, and psychics, this collection is essential for anyone interested in the topic of debunking myths.
Atheist Universe
Why God Didn't Have a Thing to Do With It
(David Mills, 2003)
This book is an excellent introduction to Atheism and critique of theism. Mills’ work includes quotes from people who criticized religion, debunking of common theistic arguments, and even a section on the basic non-Christian ideals of the founding of the United States.
Science Friction
Where the Known Meets the Unknown
(Michael Shermer, 2005)
The newest book from Michael Shermer delves into the borders between science and superstition, and what happens each time science steps forward and takes new ground by explaining a previously unexplainable phenomenon. He covers the history of the Skepticism movement, from Darwin’s discoveries to the latest form of Creationism.
Modern works on the Big Bang, Evolution, and the Evolution/Creationism Debate
The Blind Watchmaker
Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe Without Design
(Richard Dawkins, 1986)
Dawkins brilliantly deconstructs the arguments for Intelligent Design, by elegantly presenting the mountain of evidence in support of the Theory of Evolution.
Climbing Mount Improbable
(Richard Dawkins, 1996)
Again Dawkins goes after Intelligent Design theorists, by showing how quite improbable structures such as the human eye could have arise by a multitude of small steps, over an extremely long period of time.
At the Water's Edge
Fish with Fingers, Whales with Legs, and How Life Came Ashore but Then Went Back to Sea
(Carl Zimmer, 1999)
This book covers a single extremely important topic in evolution: how did life move from sea to land? In great (but still quite readable) detail, Zimmer walks us from the sea to land, covering the development of lungs and hands and other organs, then takes us back into the sea with whales and dolphins, all with copious supporting fossil evidence.
Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea
(Carl Zimmer, 2002)
Zimmer’s book that accompanies the PBS series of the same name is a wonderful read. It skewers the main claims of creationism, while showing the mass of evidence supporting evolution. And book doesn’t just stick to evolution itself, it also covers its effects on politics, religion, and philosophy.
A Short History of Nearly Everything
(Bill Bryson, 2003)
Bryson’s readable history of the universe and discoveries about it (with a few inaccuracies) is written for the layman.
The Ancestor’s Tale
A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Evolution
(Richard Dawkins, 2004)
Dawkins shows us evolution by meeting up with various species, starting from modern humans. In a backward fashion, he shows many of the steps in evolution from our more apelike ancestors. Dawkins then works his way to species farther and farther away on the family tree, showing the various results of evolution in different environments.
Big Bang
(Simon Singh, 2005)
In this well-illustrated volume, Singh presents the history of theories of the nature of the cosmos, from ancient Greece through the most recent information received from microwave background radiation. He describes how the Big Bang Theory arose, the theories competing against it, and how evidence showed it to be correct.
The Counter-Creationism Handbook
(Mark Isaak, 2005)
Isaak’s ambitious work is probably the most complete debunking of creationist claims that exists. Packaged into a well-indexed and cross-referenced work, the Handbook answers them all succinctly and accurately.
Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction
(Eugenie C. Scott, 2005)
Scott, the director of the National Center for Science Education and past president of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, gives us this easy-to-read introduction to the contentious debate. She covers the basics of science and creationists’ attacks on evidence and evolution scientists, and answers their claims directly and forthrightly.
Breaking the Spell
Religion as a Natural Phenomenon
(Daniel C. Dennett, 2006)
Dennett explores religion as a product of evolution. He covers the origins of religion, and why it is both beneficial and harmful. He challenges followers to examine their tenets, to prevent future harm caused by teaching ignorance.
Works geared toward children
Maybe Yes, Maybe No
A Guide for Young Skeptics
(Dan Barker, illustrated by Brian Strassburg, 1990)
Barker’s book teaches children how to look at things critically, and how to debunk supernatural claims. He directly challenges the concepts of angels and demons, devils and gods. Perfect for older elementary-school age children.
How Do You Know It's True?
Discovering the Difference Between Science and Superstition
(Hyman Ruchlis, 1991)
This outstanding book helps the ten to fourteen crowd learn the tools of rationalism, and understand the failings of pseudoscience and superstition. He uses probability to explain how “miracles” are just unusual occurrences.
From the Beginning: The Story of Human Evolution
(David Peters, 1991)
Peters’ book has detailed drawings of the steps along the line from the emergence of life to animals and modern humans. He also includes explanations of why various features emerged in different animals. For pre-teens and teens.
Maybe Right, Maybe Wrong
A Guide for Young Thinkers
(Dan Barker, illustrated by Brian Strassburg, 1992)
Barker’s follow-up to Maybe Yes, Maybe No gives children lessons in morality without gods, using realistic examples and illustrations. Like his earlier work, this is geared toward older elementary-school age children.
Big Bang
(Heather Couper & Nigel Henbest, illustrated by Luciano Corbella, 1997)
Big Bang covers the details and timeline of the Big Bang, at a level appropriate to high-schoolers.
Eyewitness: Evolution
(Linda Gamlin, 2000)
This book from the Eyewitness series is a great resource for middle school or older elementary-aged students. It provides a wealth of detail on evolution, and also briefly covers the age of the earth.
The Birth of the Earth
Cartoon History of the Earth, Volume 1
(Jacqui Bailey, illustrated by Mathew Lilley, 2001)
This comic-format book is a fun and informative way to explain the Big Bang to older elementary-aged children.
Life on Earth: The Story of Evolution
(Steve Jenkins, 2002)
Jenkins’ book poses many questions that elementary-school children ask, and answers in words and pictures.
Our Family Tree: An Evolution Story
(Lisa Westerberg Peters, illustrated by Lauren Stringer, 2003)
This illustrated book covers the timeline of evolution from the first organisms to modern species. It is aimed at younger elementary-age kids, and can be read to pre-schoolers.
The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin
(Peter Sis, 2003)
Another illustrated book, this one gives a fascinating look at the life and achievements of Charles Darwin. It is geared toward older elementary school students.
