This very readable overview of the rise and transformations of medical genetics and of the eugenic impulses that have been inspired by the emerging understanding of the genetic basis of many diseases and disabilities is based on a popular nonmajors course, "Social Implications of Genetics," that Gillham gave for many years at Duke University. The book is suitable for use as a text in similar overview courses about genes and social issues or genes and disease. It gives a good overview of the developments and status of this field for a wide range of biomedical researchers, physicians, and students, especially those interested in the prospects for the new, genetics-based personalized medicine.

Hunting for disease genes -- How genetic diseases arise -- Ethnicity and genetic disease -- Susceptibility genes and risk factors -- Genes and cancer -- Genes and behavior -- Genes and IQ : an unfinished story -- Preventing genetic disease -- Treating genetic disease -- The dawn of personalized medicine.