Everything you need to know about race (but were afraid to ask)
Gavin Evans was born in London and grew up in Cape Town, where he became intensely involved in the anti-apartheid struggle. He studied economic history and law before completing a PhD in political studies, writing extensively on race and racism. He lectures in the Culture and Media department at Birkbeck College, London, and broadcasts regularly for the BBC World Service and is a keen marathon runner.
‘a thorough overview and detailed critique of contemporary "race
science," and a poignant description and assessment of scientific
racism… an easy-to-read overview of the latest academic research in
genetics, evolutionary anthropology, archaeology, and paleontology
that explains disparities in human intelligence… but not in terms
of the construct “race.” As a seasoned science journalist, Evans
explains complex concepts and theories with clarity and precision,
and he brings moments of levity to this challenging subject
matter.’
*Choice*
‘A world in thrall to far-right politics and ethnic nationalism
demands vigilance. We must guard science against abuse and
reinforce the essential unity of the human species. I am grateful
that in Evans we have someone conscientious, brave and willing to
do that.’
*Nature*
‘With the probability that existing political and social tensions
will be exacerbated by climate change, rising migration and
conflicts over resources, these kinds of books are sorely
needed.’
*Literary Review*
‘Excellent! In Skin Deep, Gavin Evans lucidly and
comprehensively demolishes the rationale and evidence of the
so-called “race science” employed by some of our most privileged
and respected scholars.’
*Stephen Oppenheimer, author of Out of Eden: The Peopling of the
World and The Origins of the British*
‘Well-researched and richly rewarding, Skin Deep methodically
dismantles the quackery and junk science that seeks to justify
economic inequality by appeals to racial difference. Given the
insidious rise of pseudoscientific racism, Skin Deep is timely and
urgent, its patient scholarship a fine antidote to the
quackocracy’s shrill rhetoric. In this spirit it will appeal to
readers who enjoyed Ben Goldacre’s Bad Science and I Think You’ll
Find It’s A Bit More Complicated Than That.’
*Robert Newman, comedian and author*
‘This book contains a wealth of information, old and new, about
race and its underlying genetics. Everyone interested in the
distinction between knowledge and prejudice in this sensitive and
challenging subject should read it.’
*Jonathan Bard, Emeritus Professor, University of Edinburgh, and
author of Principles of Evolution*
‘Give it up for Gavin Evans’s thorough and timely teardown of
racial myths… This triumphant volume debunks such popular fallacies
as race-based IQ differences, jumping genes, and predictable
variations in brain size and development across different – and
arbitrary – racial categories… The best defense against
misinformation is knowledge, and Skin Deep is an
invaluable tool to add to your arsenal.’
*Foreword reviews*
‘[An] extensively researched and clearly articulated work of
popular scholarship.’
*Publishers Weekly*
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