UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

BOOKS

Darwin's Dream by Brian Pontius (2008)

    The middle third of this book  (the chapter entitled "The Story") describes an early draft of the Darwinian Polymer Model (DPM). The first third describes how the model developed in the mind of the author. The final third describes related philosophical issues. While the book lacks references and is therefore not a science book per se, it outlines the Darwinian Polymer Model and how the model can explain the origin of Earthly life.

Darwin's Dream can be read in its entirety on Google Books.

Genesis: the scientific quest for life's origin by Robert M. Hazen (2005)

    A good introduction to many topics relating to research on the origin of life. While much of the book is not directly related to the Darwinian Polymer Model, many relevant issues are discussed. A must read for anyone who wishes to put the DPM into a larger context of origin of life models.

Investigations by Stuart Kauffman (2000)

    A fascinating look into an origin of life model constructed using logic, mathematics, and chemical rules. Much of this book describes concepts shared by the DPM, but it is less oriented towards a specific chemical model. It is therefore highly recommended reading for anyone interested in the DPM.

Origins of Life by Freeman Dyson (1999)

    A short, but interesting book that focuses on the question of which evolved first: A crude metabolism or a genetic material. While the author favors a metabolism first model (in contrast to the DPM), this book elevates the discussion and identifies a number of relevant issues relating to the origin of life.

The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins (1976)

    This landmark book elegantly argues that genes acted semi-independently while creating more successful organisms during evolution. While the proposal that life began with an "exceedingly improbable...first replicator" is very different from the Darwinian Polymer Model, the DPM is mostly consistent with the book's primary thesis. One can think of The Selfish Gene as providing a mostly genetic argument for evolution that runs parallel to the mostly chemical argument for very early evolution found in the DPM. It is therefore highly recommended.

On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin (1859)

    The classic of all classics in evolutionary thought. This book demonstrates how careful observation, a good idea (natural selection), and a well-reasoned argument can change the world. The book covers a much later stage in the evolution of living things than the DPM, but many of the same ideas of evolution and natural selection apply. A bit dry in parts, but well worth reading.