Brief candle in the dark : my life in science

In this continuation of his memoir, Richard Dawkins explores the second half of his life, reflecting on key individuals, institutions, and ideas that have inspired him. He vividly recounts his twenty-five years teaching at Oxford, blending humor and anecdotes while paying tribute to colleagues and students. Dawkins captures the essence of an establishment rich in tradition and ritual, highlighting its commitment to learning and discovery. He shares the life of a traveling scientist, detailing fieldwork on the Panama Canal and attending prestigious conferences alongside prominent scientific figures. His experiences with publishers, television producers, and debate partners are also chronicled, particularly during the impactful period following the release of The God Delusion in 2006, which established him as a leading voice in atheism. Most notably, he revisits his evolving ideas about science throughout his distinguished career as a thinker, teacher, and writer. This memoir invites readers into a world of constant discovery and introduces a captivating array of exceptional characters, all brought to life through Dawkins' engaging narrative style.