The Genetic Basis of Evolutionary Change was one of the first books I read as a young graduate student that had a profound effect on my development as a scientist. In particular, it got me seriously thinking about studying how genetic variation gives rise to the variation we observe in the traits possessed by an organism—an area of research that we actively pursue in my laboratory today. Lewontin's clear writing style and thoughtful treatment of the issues that faced population and evolutionary genetics of the time make this book a "must read" for all aspiring evolutionary geneticists.