Saturday, December 11, 2010

Book Review: Secrets of the Sixth Edition

Secrets of the Sixth Edition by Randall Hedtke is subtitled "Darwin Discredits His Own Theory."

Interesting premise.

The publisher promises "an easy-to-read study" and I did not find that to be the case.  First, though, here is the entire blurb from the publisher:
Darwin's On the Origin of the Species was originally released in 1859, and by 1872, the sixth and last edition was published, becoming the defining text for evolutionists. This controversial work has become the foundation of modern textbooks for scientific studies in origins, though Darwin himself expressed deep doubts about his own speculations and suppositions.
Secrets of the Sixth Edition by Randall Hedtke exposes the critical flaws of this landmark book by using Darwin's own words against him.
• Provides an examination of Darwin's research and the faulty basis of his scientific writings
• Filled with extensive documentation looking at the fatal flaws in Darwin's assumptions
• Addresses strategies for possible changes to curriculum to address weaknesses in the evolutionary hypothesis.
Take an insightful look at Darwin's work and its inaccuracies from a fresh and logical perspective. You will discover the often ignored reasoning behind his own abandonment of some of the core mechanisms of evolution later in his life, though they remain unchallenged pillars of unquestioning science today. This informative and easy-to-read study boldly declares the powerful truth that only biblical creation can explain.
Sounds good, right?  And the material was good.  Just not exactly easy-to-read.  The first chapter in particular, as it did get easier after that.  However, just to be fair, Chapter II begins on page 79.  Of 158.  Chapter I takes up roughly half of the book.

I found myself reading a couple of paragraphs at a sitting.  Particularly when the paragraph was quoting Darwin, as he is simply not easy to read.  I just could not get through big chunks of the material with any degree of comprehension. 

I enjoyed the second half of the book.  I slogged through the first half.  The informative part is pretty accurate, as I did find the material fascinating and well-researched.  Honestly, kudos go out to Randall Hedtke for being able to actually get through Darwin's Origin of Species (multiple editions) and comprehend it enough to write this book.


Disclaimer:   I received this book for free from New Leaf Publishing Group.  No other compensation was received.  The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review. 

1 comment:

Haelie said...

Just FINALLY finished it myself for a review! I completely agree that it is not light reading. ;-) I, too, was intrigued though by Hedtke's thorough presentation and understanding of all of this.