Includes bibliographical references (p. [439]-454) and index.

Only a theory? -- Dogs, cows, and cabbages -- The primrose path to macro-evolution -- Silence and slow time -- Before our very eyes -- Missing link? What do you mean, 'missing'? -- Missing persons? Missing no longer -- You did it yourself in nine months -- The ark of the continents -- The tree of cousinship -- History written all over us -- Arms races and 'evolutionary theodicy' -- There is grandeur in this view of life -- Appendix. The history-deniers.

Sifting through rich layers of scientific evidence, Dawkins' "The Greatest Show on Earth" is a stunning counterattack on advocates of "Intelligent Design," explaining the evidence for evolution while exposing the absurdities of the creationist "argument."