Richard Dawkins "An Appetite for Wonder"

Pioneering scientist and famous (and/or infamous) thinker Richard Dawkins will discuss his new memoir "An Appetite for Wonder: The Making of a Scientist" in conversation with Sally Quinn, Editor-in-Chief of The Washington Post’s “On Faith” blog.

This is a ticketed event and registration is required. Tickets are $5 for National Press Club members; $10 for the public. The Club-member admission fee is waived with a pre-order of a copy of the book, an option that appears on the ticket form. Limit one member ticket per Club member. All attendees must have a ticket. This event is a fundraiser for the NPC Journalism Institute. No outside books or memorabilia permitted. All sales are final; no refunds will be issued.

Born to enthusiastic naturalists and linked to accomplished scientists, Richard Dawkins was bound to have biology in his genes – but which influences shaped his life and intellectual development? And who inspired him to become the pioneering scientist and thinker?

Dawkins, author of the seminal "The God Delusion," traces his journey from childhood in colonial Africa to the Church of England; teenage rebellion; and Oxford, where vigorous debate, intellectual curiosity, and inspirational mentors formed a crucial catalyst – and resulted in Dawkins’ radical new vision of Darwinism ("The Selfish Gene").

Dawkins paints a colorful, richly-textured canvas of his early life. Honest self-reflection and witty anecdote are interspersed with touching reminiscences of his best-loved family and friends, literature, poetry and songs.