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Best Biology Books

Unravel the mysteries of life with the best biology books, as acclaimed by top science communicators and educators. This collection, frequently featured in educational recommendations, delivers complex concepts in engaging and accessible ways, appealing to students and curious minds alike.

Recommendations from 49 articles, Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Neil deGrasse Tyson and 72 others.
Best Biology Books
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Campbell Biology book cover
Campbell Biology
Lisa A. Urry - 2004-12-23 (first published in 1987)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the exciting and ever-evolving world of biology with the best-selling education program that has helped millions of students succeed. The eleventh edition of this popular text and media program features engaging narrative, stunning art and photography, and hands-on activities that challenge readers to deepen their understanding of key concepts. With a focus on the latest research and innovative tools like Problem-Solving Exercises, Visualizing Figures, and MasteringBiology online resources, this program is better than ever. Add Campbell Biology to your reading list today and unlock the secrets of life!
Molecular Biology of the Cell book cover
Molecular Biology of the Cell
Bruce Alberts - 2002-03-01 (first published in 1983)
Goodreads Rating
This comprehensive textbook distills the vast knowledge of biology into concise principles and enduring concepts. The Sixth Edition is extensively updated with the latest research in the field of cell biology and enhanced with new, clear illustrations. Each chapter poses intriguing questions on challenging areas of future research, making this book the perfect framework for teaching and learning.
Recommended by
Alan Kay
Essential Cell Biology book cover
Essential Cell Biology
Bruce Alberts - 2003-09-25 (first published in 1997)
Goodreads Rating
Discover the core knowledge of how cells work with Essential Cell Biology. This easy-to-follow book provides an accessible grounding of cell biology for introductory students. Each section follows logically from the previous one and includes questions to encourage readers to test their understanding. Get a better understanding of genetics and experimental backgrounds with the Second Edition, which is completely up-to-date.
On the Origin of Species book cover
On the Origin of Species
Charles Darwin - 2004-01-01 (first published in 1859)
Goodreads Rating
A groundbreaking exploration of natural selection, this book challenges orthodox beliefs by asserting that no species or being has been specifically created. While exploring the harsh competition for survival, it showcases the interrelatedness between animal and plant life, and the environment, offering an inspirational and human perspective. Written with a combination of scientific rigor and literary style, this remains one of the most important works of modern times.
The Selfish Gene book cover
The Selfish Gene
40th Anniversary Edition (Oxford Landmark Science)
Richard Dawkins - 2006-01-01 (first published in 1976)
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Explore the fascinating world of evolutionary thought with this classic exposition. The author offers a gene’s eye view of evolution, placing the importance on the units of information that persist, and viewing organisms as vehicles for their replication. This powerful and stylistically brilliant work galvanized the biology community, generating much debate and stimulating whole new areas of research. This 40th anniversary edition includes a new epilogue from the author discussing the continuing relevance of these ideas in evolutionary biology today, as well as the original prefaces and foreword. Join the millions of readers worldwide who have fallen in love with The Selfish Gene.
The Double Helix book cover
The Double Helix
A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA
James D. Watson - 1969-02-01 (first published in 1968)
Goodreads Rating
A young scientist named Watson recounts the thrilling story of him and his colleague Crick's race against other world-class researchers to identify the structure of DNA - the molecule of life. Their breakthrough earned them a Nobel Prize and revolutionized biochemistry. With great gifts and very human ambitions, Watson's honest account captures the flavor of their work and the bitter rivalries of brilliant scientists.
Biology book cover
Biology
Peter Raven - 2016-01-11
Goodreads Rating
Discover an evolutionary approach to Biology with this latest edition that emphasizes the importance of scientific inquiry and evolution. Written by a team of authors with extensive instructional and content expertise, this student-friendly text integrates cellular, molecular biology, and genomics to enhance learning experiences. With its emphasis on evolution and student-centered pedagogical features, this book is a leading biology textbook for majors.
The Gene book cover
The Gene
An Intimate History
Siddhartha Mukherjee - 2016-05-17
Goodreads Rating
This fascinating history of the gene explores human heredity and its influence on our lives, personalities, fates, and choices. The author weaves science, history, and personal memoir into an epic tale of discovery, from Aristotle to the revolutionary innovators of the 21st century. Through emotional stories and a riveting narrative, he explores the questions that hang over our ability to translate the science of genetics from the laboratory to the real world, making this a book we all should read.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks book cover
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Rebecca Skloot - 2010-02-02
Goodreads Rating
Discover the remarkable story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951, becoming one of the most important tools in medicine. Her cells have been bought and sold by the billions for medical advancements, but her story and legacy remain virtually unknown. This New York Times bestseller tackles the collision between ethics, race, and medicine, and the daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew. A riveting tale of scientific discovery and faith healing that will leave you questioning the ethics of medical advancements.
The Hidden Life of Trees book cover
The Hidden Life of Trees
What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World (The Mysteries of Nature (1))
Peter Wohlleben - 2016-09-13 (first published in 2015)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the fascinating world of trees and their hidden communication system in this captivating book. Author Peter Wohlleben shares his deep passion for forests and the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed. Learn how trees communicate and support each other, creating an ecosystem that benefits the whole community. Drawing on groundbreaking new discoveries, Wohlleben presents the science behind the secret life of trees and their abilities. Discover how eco-friendly practices can benefit our planet, and the mental and physical health of all who live on Earth.
Barron's AP Biology, 6th Edition by Deborah T. Goldberg M. S.
Concepts of Biology by OpenStax by Samantha Fowler
Biology by Kenneth R. Miller, Joseph S. Levine
The Cell by Geoffrey M. Cooper and Robert E. Hausman
Biology by Eldra Solomon
Microbiology by Gerard J. Tortora
BRS Cell Biology and Histology by Leslie P. Gartner
The Song of the Dodo by David Quammen
Who We Are and How We Got Here by David Reich
The Singularity Is Near by Ray Kurzweil
Mama's Last Hug by Frans de Waal
The Vital Question by Nick Lane
The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
How to Tame a Fox by Lee Alan Dugatkin
Gene Machine by Venki Ramakrishnan
Ocean by Dan Kainen, Carol Kaufmann
DARWIN'S DANGEROUS IDEA by Daniel C. Dennett
Endless Forms Most Beautiful by Sean B. Carroll
Citizens of the Sea by Nancy Knowlton
The Biology Coloring Book by Robert D. Griffin
Anatomy & Physiology by Kenneth Saladin
The Life and Love of the Sea by Lewis Blackwell
Essentials of Biology by MADER
The World Beneath by Richard Smith
Molecular and Cellular Biology of Viruses by Phoebe Lostroh
Preparing for the Biology AP* Exam by Jane B. Reece
Molecular and Cell Biology For Dummies by René Fester Kratz
Marine Biology 11th Edition by Michael Peter, Huber Castro
Biology by Sylvia Mader, Michael Windelspecht
The Official Study Guide for ALL SAT Subject Tests by The College Board
Genetics Analysis & Principles by Robert J. Brooker
The Official SAT Subject Test in Biology Study Guide by The College Board
Molecular Biology by Nancy Craig, Rachel Green, Carol Greider, Gisela Storz, Cynthia Wolberger, Orna Cohen-Fix
Marine Biology by Jeffrey Levinton
Sterling Test Prep AP Biology Practice Questions by Sterling Test Prep
Oceanography and Marine Biology by David W. Townsend
The Soul of an Octopus by SY Montgomery
Human Organs, What & Why? by Baby Professor
Biology by Eric J. Simon
Cells For Kids by Nishi Singh
Behave by Robert M. Sapolsky
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
The Body by Bill Bryson
Human Biology by Sylvia Mader
The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
BRS Physiology by Linda S. Costanzo
Principles of Genetics by Gardner
Cell and Molecular Biology by E. D. P. De Robertis
Stern's Introductory Plant Biology by James Bidlack