How We Live and Why We Die: the secret lives of cells- Book Review

Lewis Wolpert is a South-African born British author known for his biological literary publications which include The 'Triumph of the Embryo' and 'Why Can't a Woman Be More Like a Man?' as well as 'How We Live and Why We Die'.

Wolpert's densely scientific and comprehensive overview of the workings of the cell will give anyone a developed and in depth knowledge strongly grounded within scientific ideals. Whilst the book is complex at times it delivers a great sense of achievement and understanding for the reader that perhaps would take longer to be gained from biological textbooks. Wolpert brings the workings of the cell to life, distinguishing this science from any logical kind of order and presenting a world without finite possibilities within the smallest living unit, the cell.

An extremely popular book amongst other a-level biologists 'How We Live and Why We Die' will probably answer all the long-abided curiosities and questions any budding biologist harbours. How do cells die, reproduce and grow, or indeed on an even greater level how did cells come to exist, and why do they exist? Wolpert provides a strong scientific grounding on the cell's mechanisms which will allow you to spring board your way easily into more comprehensive and complex reading and ideas.


- Izzie