Review from previous edition: 'A stimulating and thought-provoking read, [which] provides a sound chemical framework for considering the various theories and strands of research directed towards understanding the ultimate question - what is life?' -- Chemistry World`I don't pretend to understand the chemistry - but by using analogies about boulders rolling down hills, and cars driving up them, Pross does a good job of explaining the principle.' -- Brandon Robshaw, Independent on SundayReview from previous edition: 'Addy Pross's growing sense of excitement is palpable in this lucid, thoughtful, and accessible exploration of the very foundations of that most exquisite and extraordinary property of matter, life.' -- Peter Atkins`Strikingly, [Pross] demonstrates that Darwinian evolution is the biological expression of a deeper and more fundamental chemical principle: the whole story from replicating molecules to complex life is one continuous coherent chemical process governed by a simple definable principle.' -- GrrlScientist blog`A thoughtful and readable manifesto Pross gets high marks for his effort to demystify genesis and put chemistry in its place.' -- Franklin M. Harold, Microbe, Volume 8 Number 3`A lively, intellectually stimulating examination of profound scientific and philosophic questions. It provides an intriguing and possibly plausible way to think about life and its origins. It provides much food for constructive thought.' -- Chemical and Engineering News`A fascinating and insightful read. It has utility and enjoyment value to readers from a wide variety of backgrounds. Definitely food for thought.' -- Niles Lehman, Trends in Evolutionary Biology`By formulating a new stability kind in nature, Addy Pross has uncovered the chemical roots of Darwinian theory, thereby opening a novel route connecting biology to chemistry and physics. This book is more than worth reading - it stirs the readers mind and paves the way toward the birth of further outstanding ideas.' -- Ada Yonath, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry`[What is Life?] is a stimulating and thought-provoking read, and provides a sound chemical framework for considering the various theories and strands of research directed towards understanding the ultimate question - what is life?' -- Chemistry World