The Coiled Spring: How Life Begins

Bier (biology, U. of California-San Diego) offers lay readers and general science students an accessible account of developmental biology, focusing on the principles underlying embryonic development in animals and plants. He discusses such aspects as the central dogma of biology, establishing the primary axes of vertebrate embryos, and patterning plant appendages. He also includes biographical sketches of people who have contributed signally to the field. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)