Book Description
A gorgeous gift and a landmark work that is an essential addition to everyone's personal library.

Never before have the four great works of Charles Darwin—Voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle (1845), The Origin of Species (1859), The Descent of Man (1871), and The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals (1872)—been collected under one cover. Undertaking this challenging endeavor 123 years after Darwin's death, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Edward O. Wilson has written an introductory essay for the occasion, while providing new, insightful introductions to each of the four volumes and an afterword that examines the fate of evolutionary theory in an era of religious resistance. In addition, Wilson has crafted a creative new index to accompany these four texts, which links the nineteenth-century, Darwinian evolutionary concepts to contemporary biological thought. Beautifully slipcased, and including restored versions of the original illustrations, From So Simple a Beginning turns our attention to the astounding power of the natural creative process and the magnificence of its products. Slipcased hardcover; 101 illustrations, map. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Fabolous
This book is excellent! It has all of the four greatest works by Darwin, all facsimile editions (exact original) and written by Wilson, a great evolutionary biologist. If you are looking to read some of Darwin's books, here is the place to do it. It also features introductions by the editor to put the book in its scientific, cultural and historical context.

great book
this is a great book, it is really neat that all 4 volumes are in one book. it was a great price for these volumes

A good choice, but there may be others too
Having also considered the alternative collection "The Evolution Of An
Idea by James Watson " I arrived at this work, from the couple dozen
small newspaper-style, mini-illustrations on same pages, and the feedback
received from this work.

Actually, it's an open debate whether this is the best option. First,
all 4 books are glued together in one giant "tome" ...and this doesn't
facilitate reading, from the size or the volume. Also, the pages are
extremely thin, although not transparent, and probably smudge easily
and are fragile. That's another liability, if one makes notes in the
pages, probably the ink will leak to the other size, etc.

Perhaps the best option, is buying all 4 books separately, and reading
them one at a time.

Can't Beat It
I bought this book knowing very little about Darwin or his theories. From So Simple a Beginning was an easy read about a very interesting man. I would hope that not just supporters of evolution would read this book there is more to the man then just one theory.

Four classics
Excellent in every particular.Five stars in delivery time, condition, quality of the experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

The simplicity of genius
Listening to Charles Darwin talk about his life, from his earliest childhood experiences, proved to me, yet again, that really great people completely lack pomposity and artifice.

Darwin spends barely anytime talking about his great works, he really just sets the scene in which these works took place.And because that scene was so firmly Victorian with society tightly bound by religion and class, you also realise what a brave man he was in pursuing his scientific observations.

This is only a small book, the actual biography I read in a couple of days.This edition was edited by his grand-daughter and in the end notes some space is devoted to a row between Darwin and a Mr Butler - who you may well ask was Butler, its interesting to note how all these other characters fade into history's darkness, whilst the legacy of Darwin's work lives on.

A quick, informative, and inspiring read
This autobiography is a fun and easy-to-read journey through the events that made Darwin into a meticulous visionary.It serves as an excellent spark to make any person into a Darwin-enthusiast.Regardless of how you feel about his theory of evolution, Darwin's life experiences as described in this book can teach you to examine the world and everyday occurrences in a new and fascinating way.

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of this account of Darwin's life was the value that Darwin himself placed, not on conventional means of gathering knowledge (he refers to many of his early university Professors and lectures as wastes of time), but on the people that he met and the questions raised by the world around him.Darwin's observant and inquisitive nature is expressed genuinely in this book and can inspire any reader to share in the sense of wonder that Darwin takes from the simple, everyday interactions with the natural world.

The Man Behind the Controversy
Given the amount of attention placed on Darwin's ideas for the last 150 years, it is an interesting new twist to examine the man himself.The aspects of Darwin's life on which he chooses to focus his self-description are, naturally, very revealing.He portrays himself as methodical and extremely devoted to his various passions, be they hunting, beetle-collecting, or writing.It seems that although Darwin was fairly social in his youth, his health precluded many visitors from calling on him later in life; perhaps this gave him time to complete his many works!This is an engaging and entertaining look at the man behind the books that impacted so much in the world of science.

Who would have guessed?
Very often, the name Charles Darwin conjures up images of a mythical figure responsible for the development of one of the most influential scientific theories.How often, however, do we think about the scientist's human side?The Autobiography of Charles Darwin is a fun read that lets you take a peak into his life and demystify the man behind the name.The human side emerges from anecdotes, whether from his childhood or young adulthood or after.Expectedly, Darwin confesses of a keen interest in beetles and collecting and describes the lengths to which he would go to study the insect (even putting a beetle in his mouth).However, who would have imagined that his friends would tease him for his careful bird record keeping and his lack of an ear for music?Who would have guessed that certain papers he published were a source of embarrassment?The autobiography reveals other, unexpected sides of Darwin.But as you read this book, do not expect to be exposed to Darwin's deepest thoughts and reflections.The tidbits of stories present in the autobiography definitely leave you wanting to know more.

Additionally, reading the autobiography serves as a source of inspiration.Darwin's lack of success in other aspects of life, such as with his attempts to be a doctor and a clergyman, contrasted with his great scientific success.With his matter of fact tone, Darwin admits that he did not do well in many academic subjects.However, he made up for the difference with long hours of work and perseverance.While we will never know if Darwin's intended for his autobiography to be inspirational, we can derive the personal take-home message of persevering and pursuing what truly interests you.

I highly recommend reading this autobiography as it gives you a glimpse into the human side of a great thinker.

A Revealing Work By One of the Most Influential Figures in Scientific History
I recommend this book for anyone wanting to acquire a better understanding of the mind and personality of the man who first came up with the famous theories of natural and sexual selection: Charles Darwin.As in any autobiography, this one offers unique insights into the thoughts and opinions of the writer that otherwise would likely not be known.For instance, Darwin's intimate and affectionate reflections on his family - his brother, his father, and his wife - are all very personal accounts, unlikely to be found in many other letters and notes written by Darwin.Darwin also writes at length on his candid opinions of several noted and famous colleagues, such as Charles Lyell and Thomas Huxley, each of which played a not so small part in the history of the theory of evolution.While he generally assumes a humble and congenial tone, he can at times be unsparing in his opinions on the faults of certain colleagues.

Where Charles Darwin's autobiography differs from many other autobiographies, however, is that Darwin did not originally intend to publish his autobiography for the mass public, but had meant it to be a sort of personal memoir by which his children and grandchildren could remember him.Thus, Darwin writing to a family audience, puts down his religious views at a time when writing them in public would have been far too controversial for Darwin's taste.This section in Darwin's autobiography, in my opinion, is the most valuable part of Darwin's work, as it gives a clear account of Darwin's view on a topic that even today is coming into conflict with his theories.

However, when Darwin's children decided to publish the autobiography, some parts, deemed too sensitive, such as his thoughts on religion, were taken out of the published version.The Nora Barlow edited edition is thus particularly good in that it is the only edition that offers the complete autobiography, including the passages with Darwin's religious views.Her footnotes and introduction also help the reader gain a better understanding into the historical and social context in which Darwin writes.

Overall, this book was a short read and captivating throughout. ... Read more

Book Description
Definitive, concise, and very interesting... From William Shakespeare to Winston Churchill, the Very Interesting People series provides authoritative bite-sized biographies of Britain's most fascinating historical figures - people whose influence and importance have stood the test of time. Each book in the series is based upon the biographical entry from the world-famous Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Darwin
interesting biography of the life of Charles Darwin...great insights on his childhood and early experiences.

Comprehensive and Easy to Read Darwin Bio.
I actually first checked this book out from my university's library and liked it so much that I went ahead and bought it for my personal library.Browne explores Darwin's life in the text in an extremely compelling and easily comprehendable manner.While I don't believe Charles Darwin: Voyaging is explicit and detailed enough to negate the need for true Darwin enthusiasts to discover Darwin for themselves through reading his autobiography, collected correspondence, and great scientific works (The Origins of Species, Descent of Man etc...) I do think the text accomplishes what it was meant to do--give those curious about Darwin's life and works the basic overview they need before pursuing the topic in more depth.

Biogeography
Exceptional book, if in doubt, buy it.I knew it would be great after reading so many positive reviews, for some years, and was not disappointed. Unlike some overly detailed biographies, every word seems worthwhile here, from that first glorious sentence to the last.Here is the great adventure story of all time, biology-wise.All I can do is add my two cents worth to what is said elsewhere, don't miss this one.

You must have it
Un libro estupendo. Erudito ,informado , ameno y riguroso.¿Que mas podemos pedirle a Janet Browne?

DarwinVoyaging by Janet Browne
This is one of the best biography books that I have ever read.It is factual and beautifully written ... Read more

Book Description
As a young boy, Charles Darwin hated school and was often scolded forconducting "useless" experiments. Yet his passion for the natural world was so strong that hesuffered through terrible seasickness during his five-year voyage aboard The Beagle. Darwincollected new creatures from the coasts of Africa, South America, and the Galapagos Islands, and expanded his groundbreaking ideas that would change people's understanding of the naturalworld. About 100 illustrations and a clear, exciting text will make Darwin and his theory ofevolution an exciting discovery for every young reader. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great introductory book
My 9 year old daughter read this book to me in about 4 days, at her own pace and enjoyed it much. It contains a consice but very informative review about Charles Darwin as a person while considering the influence of his time and environment on how he got to develop his theory. It contains just enough information about his theory of evolution to be meaningful and engaging for a 9 to 13 year old child without becoming boring or too complex. I highly recommend it.

fynn pinn
My son enjoys the whole serie, he says: "It describes things really well , it makes me think I were really there." ... Read more

Book Description
The book that shook the world
First time from Signet Classic

This is the book that revolutionized the natural sciences and every literary, philosophical and religious thinker who followed. Darwin's theory of evolution and the descent of man remains as controversial and influential today as when it was published over a century ago. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

There is no proof of Evolution and I will prove it.
Here is an interesting experiment: Empty your garage of every piece of metal, wood, paint, rubber, and plastic. Make sure there is nothing there. Nothing. Then wait for ten years and see if a Mercedes evolves. If it doesn't appear, leave it for 20 years. If that doesn't work, try it for 100 years. Then try leaving it for 10,000 years.

Here's what will produce the necessary blind faith to make the evolutionary process believable: leave it for 250 million years.
The Book of Genesis tells us that everything was created by God--nothing "evolved." Every creature was given the ability to reproduce after its own kind as is stated ten times in Genesis. Dogs do not produce cats. Neither do cats and dogs have a common ancestry. Dogs began as dogs and are still dogs. They vary in species from Chihuahuas to Saint Bernards, but you will not find a "dat" or a "cog" (part cat/dog) throughout God's creation. Frogs don't reproduce oysters, cows don't have lambs, and pregnant pigs don't give birth to rabbits. God made monkeys as monkeys, and man as man.

Each creature brings forth after its own kind. That's no theory; that's a fact. Why then should we believe that man comes from another species? If evolution is true, then it is proof that the Bible is false. However, the whole of creation stands in contradiction to the theory of evolution.

In the Foreword to Origin of Species (100th edition), Sir Arthur Keith admitted, "Evolution is unproved and unprovable. We believe it only because the only alternative is special creation, and that is unthinkable."


Dr. Kent Hovind of Florida has a standing offer of $250,000 to "anyone who can give any empirical evidence (scientific proof) for evolution." Evolution-- true science fiction. His website is www.drdino.com.

Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant
Reading this book is like pulling off a pair of dull and scratched glasses that you didn't realize you wear.I found new beauty in everyday observations, found reason to pause and contemplate the world around me. The book can be challenging, as if shakespear was to write a statistics book, but well worth the struggle.This book is amazing. I give my highest recommendation.

A FANTASTIC CLASSIC
Yes, it's dense but a must for evolution buffs.A vastly more entertaining read: NATURAL SELECTION by Dave Freedman, all about the evolution of a new species of flying predator!What makes it fantastic is that while a work of fiction it's brilliant researched and teaches you what evolution really is.It gets into the evolution of the brain, the lung, flight - really cool stuff - but unlike dry textbooks, does it at warp speed.I literally could not put this book down, read it cover to cover in 2 days.A tremendous "fictional complement" to Darwin's classic.

Mixing fact with speculative fiction
Darwin's The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection: The Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life is so flawed its hard to know where to begin. Most evolutionists will agree that there is no real proof that macro-evolution has ever occurred.Yes, we see variations within species, or the adaptation to environments by natural selection, but the missing fossil evidence which should be present is a glaring deficiency, and that is only a one of the many lack of evidences for Darwin's theories. It is no wonder why the fastest growing minority of scientists are those who utterly reject evolution.

Struggle with Darwin
In this classic book, Darwin plods through endless piles of data and links it all with his theory of descent with modification through natural selection. It can be a tedious read to some, and surely is not for the lazy, if one can read 15-25 pages a day all will be fine.

Organisms are in a struggle for existence with other organisms and the environment.Any organism with a slight advantage, whether it is some physical advantage or greater reproduction rate will tend to survive. These variations accumulate over time and lead to divergence of species.

The classification of species and varieties is quite an ambiguous process and forms are not quite so solidly seperate from each other as one might assume at first glance. (One might say that all is in the flux of Heraclitus and any kind of form is our own abstraction, rather than being the true higher reality as a Platonist might believe.)

I noticed two obvious defects. One was Darwin's lack of knowledge of what causes variation. At his time he was not aware of genes. The theory of plate tectonics and more advanced geology was also not available to him. Nonetheless, it is a fine read for one who wants to see how Darwin's thought process led him to his idea of the genealogical descent of all forms of life traced to a common primordial ancestor, rather than independent creation of species.



... Read more

Book Description

In 1858, Charles Darwin was forty-nine years old, a gentleman scientist living quietly at Down House in the Kent countryside. He was not yet a focus of debate; his "big book on species" still lay on his desk as a manuscript. For more than twenty years he had been accumulating material for it, puzzling over the questions that it raised, trying to bring it to a satisfactory conclusion, and wanting to be certain that his startling theory of evolution was correct.

It is at this point that the concluding volume of Janet Browne's magisterial biography opens. Beginning with the extraordinary events that finally forced the Origin of Species into print, we come to the years of fame and controversy. Here, Browne does dramatic justice to all aspects of the Darwinian revolution, from a fascinating examination of the Victorian publishing scene to a survey of the debates between scientists and churchmen over evolutionary theory. At the same time, she presents a wonderfully sympathetic and authoritative picture of Darwin himself.

Customer Reviews (15)

Uniformly Excellent Biography of Darwin
This is the second volume of Janet Browne's superb biography of Charles Darwin (1809-1882).Browne, who is now Professor of the History of Science at Harvard, wrote both volumes while at the vital WellCome Trust Center at University College London (also the locale of the late Roy Porter). The book is just excellent all the way through.It picks up just at the point when the march of events is forcing Darwin to publish his finding in the epic "On the Origin of Species," when he is 49.Browne develops some interesting insights; such as the importance of the excellent British postal service to Darwin's work, since he communicated and exchanged information with individuals all around the world.In addition, she focuses upon the importance of that most unique institution, Mudie Library, which did so much to circulate Darwin's books throughout Britain, thereby altering CD's intention that his book would be targeted for a small elite audience. The author also has something to say about one of the most interesting Victorian figures, published John Murray, who benefitted from the surge of publishing and literacy in the mid-Victorian period. The profusion of journals and periodicals, such as the Edinburgh Review and the Westminister Quarterly Review, also did much so disseminate Darwin's ideas, as did events such as the Huxley v. the Bishop of Wilberforce debate ("I'd rather be a monkey than a bishop").

Equally interesting and important is Browne's discussion of how Darwin conducted his research and wrote a number of books.His research of heredity, facial expressions, worms, reefs and other topics are all covered.Browne does a good job in discussing all of the debates that erupted after the publication of the "Origin," and this tells us much about the development of Victorian science and intellectual history. Also of note is her discussion of how Darwin's ideas spread, the effects of celebrity on CD and his work, and his views of Christianity. The book is so well written that it is a pleasure to read, as Browne discusses some difficult concepts with such clarity and skill and every reader, no matter how extensive a scientific background, benefits from her treatment.
The book is supported by 63 pages of excellent notes, some helpful illustrations,and a 36 page bibliography. Browne is generally acknowledged as one of the world's leading scholars on the life and work of Darwin.Her involvement as Associate Editor of the 14 volume "Correspondence of Charles Darwin" has finely honed her understanding of Darwin and his thought.We should all be thankful that she is now at Harvard where more Americans can benefit from her superb expertise and insights.

Sick and tired, but he carried on
This one is also great, get both of these wonderful books on Charles Darwin. The first one is slightly better than this one, as one expects from biographies.CD is settled down, mostly writing and promoting his beliefs.He is sick a lot, but carries on. There just got to be too much detail toward the end of this, for me.Otherwise the level of detail and tone was pitchperfect throughout.What an astounding, amazing effort these two books represent.A real gem.

Brilliant but flawed

This the second volume of Browne's Darwin biography has evoked high praise from a number of Amazon reviewers.It's praise well deserved.Her theme, the importance of Darwin's social position and his dedicated use of it to promote the uptake of his theories, makes a nice counterpoint to the path-breaking Desmond and Moore biography, whose theme was the `tormented evolutionist'.Not that Browne downplays the ghastly burden of Darwin's invalidity on his person and family: torment it assuredly was.Yet he persisted in his labors, which included extensive involvement with many helpers, and somehow managed to bring it all to fruition.What were the emotional springs of that endurance?Dedication to the glory of the Nation, or to Science, or to Mankind?No, the poetry of ideals is missing.Exaltation in his ever-increasing celebrity?Again No.While Darwin kept a detailed record of every review of the Origin and other publications, and took measures to promote them, fame was not his defining horizon.If it were, he probably would not have anguished, as he did, about the expected heat entropy termination of life on Earth some millions of years hence.Consistent with that gloom, his final publication was on worms, whose habitat, he well understood, he would soon join.Browne writes: `He was in the grip of a vision of time as powerful and as bleak as anything in Victorian culture'.The source of his endurance seems to have been his immersion in the routine of Downe House.The routine included his dependency on wife Emma and the kids, especially Henrietta and Francis.He kept a detailed account of household expenses and, in pinchpenny manner, insisted on avoidance of extravagance despite his wealth, which he more than doubled thanks to astute investments.Although he could have easily created a state-of-the-art research station at Downe, he persisted (against Francis' appeals) in the use of crude and meager equipment, much to the amazement of scientists who visited him.Yet greatness somehow arose from just this obsessive immersion in routine that stretched over four decades.Browne notes that his devoted friend Joseph Hooker exclaimed on receiving a photographic portrait that he `looked like Moses'. Sons William and Francis agreed.So have millions who've seen the expression of deep thoughtfulness in the numerous portraits of the frail, aging Darwin.

What was his illness?His death certificate specified angina pectoris syncope as the cause.Today an autopsy would probably confirm cardiac arrest.He had experienced heart pains periodically for years, although several physicians found no symptoms of heart disease.I was surprised that in her illuminating discussion of his illnesses Browne doesn't notice that Darwin's fatigue, which greatly reduced his mobility for about two decades, is consistent with heart failure.When we add the information that Darwin was a long-time smoker, confidence in that diagnosis increases.And the retching and flatulence?Browne mentions the proposal that these symptoms could be effects of Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which he might have contracted in Chile.Retching, skin rashes, and heart disease are symptoms of the disease in its chronic phase.This is an attractive diagnosis, since it achieves concordance of clinical signs from two causal pathways.Browne puts it aside because, it seems, she suspects an interaction between Darwin's stressed emotional life, his peculiar withdrawal into the Downe House refuge, and physical symptoms (pp. 235ff).Alas, she seems unacquainted with contemporary psychiatry, which would easily read her symptom list as indicative of the Avoidant Personality Disorder (`Grief and guilt surely played their part in his psyche.Fear, too, especially in the way his body would most often fail when he intended make a public appearance, suggesting some deep-seated dread of exposure.His customary reticence may have reflected a wish to avoid getting involved with other people's emotions-reticence and modesty could have been the polite face of dissociation, the spurning of closeness' p. 237).APD would link Darwin's strong avoidance pattern with his equally strong striving for approval, and pain on the occasion of disapproval of friends and strangers.It also incorporates his many self-deprecations and his anticipations, even from friends, that they might respond to a thought of his with extreme disapproval, eg, `crucifixion'.

I turn briefly to Browne's rendition of the Huxley-Wilberforce debate at the June 1860 BAAS meeting in Oxford.The debate is a paramount icon in the Darwin legend and a `defining moment in Victorian history' (p 115).The confrontation occurred on the last day of a conference that had been dominated by public and academic excitement about the Origin of Species.A large audience turned out expecting to hear Bishop Wilberforce `smash' Darwin's theory.They were not disappointed, for the Bishop, who was Bishop of Oxford and hence on home ground, did indeed criticize the theory on a number of points.The presiding officer, Darwin's former teacher Rev Henslow, called on Huxley to speak.He defended the logic and evidence of Darwin's theory, and finished with the damning declaration that if he had to choose between accepting an ape as his grandfather and a high dignitary who obfuscated science to defend prejudice, then he would prefer the ape grandfather.The Darwin legend interprets Huxley's retort as a one-line `proof' of the superiority of science to theology which also shifted the mixed feelings of the audience into emphatic support for Huxley and science.But did it happen?Did Wilberforce taunt Huxley about his ancestry and did Huxley respond as claimed?Did the audience convulse in laughter at the Bishop and treat Huxley as a hero, as he boasted?Doubts arise because the first report of this incident was an aside in a 1898 article, `A Grandmother's Tale', in Macmillan's Magazine-38 years after the event!The critical literature on this event has pretty well reduced it to wishful thinking of Darwin partisans, beginning with Huxley's imaginary self-congratulatory victory.Even if the facts were as claimed in The Grandmother's Tale, they would have no bearing on the substance of Wilberforce's criticisms, which he detailed in a lengthy review of Origin.As for Huxley, he had publicly expressed doubts about the compatibility of Darwin's theory with the long periods of stasis in the fossil record; and he never accepted natural selection as the main mechanism of evolution.Browne's narrative of this iconically central issue is unsatisfactory.She does not advise readers that serious criticism of the story has been made and her narrative incorporates Huxley's tale as fact.Yet she knows that the celebrated triumph is imaginary.Solution?`The gossip running through the crowd afterwards quickly crafted an epic narrative, a collective fiction with an inbuilt meaning much more tangible and important than reality.All felt they were witnessing history in the making' (pp. 124f).There you have creative history: gossip frankly declared to be better than reality.Smacks of postmodernism.

Truth Prevails
Darwin's tightly held theories on natural selection are let loose to a resistant public but a public that was also proud of their intellectuals.Darwin's network of scientific friends and associates provide strength to a highly disruptive theory and in so advance their own scientific careers.

An effortless and endlessly satisfying read
Along with the rest of the well-deserved high praise that comes to Janet Browne's biography of Charles Darwin I would add, with others, that its most extraordinary aspect is its readability.Biographies are almost always irritating in some way or another--Browne's volumes are effortless in any genre, miraculous in the difficult work of biography.It's quite true that both _Voyaging_ and _Power of Place_ are books you can't put down; they are so absorbing that you instantly forget you are reading.I find myself recommending them to people with no interest whatsoever in the subject simply for the reading pleasure.For scholars of the historical subject, the volumes provide a unified and inspiring reference.Browne's is a tremendous gift to Darwin's legacy and to the reception of his work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Make that 4 1/2 stars
The only reason why I did not give this book (and the others in this
wonderful series) a complete 5 stars is because the proof reading was not
quite up to snuff.In this book I found at least one misspelled word,
and a couple of lines repeated.

However, the books in this series are packed full of information, have
wonderful pictures,& easy-to-read text while still being a genuinely
informative biography.

And all of this for only 4.99.I find the price truly amazing for all that you get.
... Read more

Book Description
This is the third volume of the complete edition of The Correspondence of Charles Darwin. For the first time full authoritative texts of Darwin's letters are available, edited according to modern textual editorial principles and practice. The letters in this volume were written during the years 1844-1846. By 1844 Darwin had become an established figure within the circle of London naturalists and his life at Down had assumed the regularity that the responsibility for a thriving and growing household entailed. Despite his move to rural Kent, Darwin was not isolated, and this volume shows how frequent were his trips to London and further afield, how regular his meetings with his scientific colleagues, and how extensive his network of correspondents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

One of the best travel books written by one of the best scientists
Forget the image of Darwin as an old white-beard scholar. In The Voyage of The Beagle, written in 1839, we have the discoverer of the theory of evolution as an energetic young man in his early twenties travelling aroung the world in a three-mast ship. After a brief stop in Cape Verde, he travels to then slaveholding Brazil (where he visits for the first time a tropical jungle), to the Plata region (he visits both Buenos Aires and Montevideo and travels on horseback on the surroundings), to the Patagonia (where he meets strongman Juan Manuel de Rosas as he launches a campaign against the pampa Indians), the Falkland Islands, Southern Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego (where they bring back three Fuegians previously kidnapped by an earlier expedition), Chile from south to north, the Galapagos Islands (whose findings would be crucial for the theory of evolution), Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa. As he travels, he writes about both the natural history of the places as well as the people he meets. He does a lot of fearless things, travelling on horseback around the Pampas then under the dominion of hostile indians, crossing the Andes from Chile to Argentina through some of the world's highest mountains outside the Himalayas, witnessing the life of the now extinguished Fuegians (considered to be among the most primitive societies in the world), crossing the dense, cold forests of the island of Chiloe, witnessing the aboriginal australians as they cope with the massive arrival of white people to their land, seeing the gravestone of Napoleon Bonaparte in the island of Saint Helena. Darwin was no racist and he forcefully denounces the slavery he witnesses in Brazil (in this respect, he was much more thoughtful and liberal than some of his later disciples). In short, one of the greatest travel/adventure books by one of the greatest scientists of all time.

Must-Read Combo of Science, Adventure, and Literary Flair
Darwin's autobiography gives us some idea of his zeal for the study of the natural world (remember the bug-in-mouth incident?) and The Origin of Species provides us with more than enough evidence of Darwin's incredible capacity for logically combining empircal evidence in support of his theory, but is his autobiographical Voyage of the Beagle that gives us the best look at Darwin's habits as a naturalist and that provides us with a deeper understanding of his unmatched skills of observation and analysis.
While the voyage is most famous for being the time when Darwin visited the Galapagos, it is striking that he actually spends very little time discussing this segment of his journey. Much of his time is instead spent on the portion of his trip that was spent in Argentina, and it is his observations of the wildlife, the landscape, and the locals here that make for the most enjoyable reading.
The Voyage works because of its successful combination of science, adventure, and literary flair (he often gets rather poetic) that Darwin was superbly capable of. While certainly long (and possibly even too long for some readers), The Voyage is a must-read for any self-respecting Darwinophile.

Another Handy Penguin Edition of Darwin
Much as is the case with the Penguin edition of Darwin's "On the Origin of Species," this relatively inexpensive edition is packed with helpful features that add to the reader's understanding of what Darwin was about on his prolonged scientific voyage. First among these features is an excellent introduction by Janet Browne and Michael Neve, both of that wonderful Wellcome Institute in London. Dr. Browne is the author of what many consider to be the finest biography of Darwin ever written; Dr. Neve also has contributed to the Darwin literature.Although 26 pages in length, a bit shorter than that in the "Origin" edition by J.W. Burrow, this introduction nicely puts the "Journal of Researches" into context, while pointing out several areas that are of special interest to the reader. While the text is abridged about 1/3 in length, a Note carefully explains how and why the deletions were made.For example, nothing relating to the Galapagos has been cut. The editors have added a brief guide to the individuals and books mentioned in the text which is quite helpful. Also added as appendices are the Admiralty Instructions for the Beagle voyage and an essay by Captain Robert FitzRoy on "Remarks with reference to the Deluge," reflecting his reversion to traditional Christian thinking during the voyage.Several very helpful maps and a chronology are also included, which come in quite handy. Obviously, it is of immeasurable value to read the "Journal of Researches" in conjunction wit the "Origin."One comes away truly amazed at the dedication and professionalism of Darwin (who was only 22 when he commenced his five year excursion) as he collects his speciments and charts various geological dimensions.So, this book is to my way of thinking indispensable for getting a grasp on Darwin, and this skillfully edited edition makes the experience a most pleasing one.

For the Serious Darwin Fan Only
Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle is an interesting, but often tedious detail of his journey around the world.With this in mind, I would have to recommend this book to the Darwin enthusiast and to those who are just looking for a deeper grasp of Darwin, the man.It's not for anyone looking for a quick, easy, or particularly exciting or sensationalist read.If that's what you're looking for, I recommend Cyril Aydon's biography.

With this disclaimer, the book really does offer insight into Darwin and why this journey would be such a critical point in his life.Darwin is incredibly observant, and details flora and fauna throughout with sometimes discouraging detail.But this fact just gives us a clue as to what made this man different from all the other preeminent scientists of the day.Why did Darwin fully get evolution while the others didn't?Certainly this incredible power to really see things provided him with evidence that others might have missed.

My favorite parts would have to be Darwin's description of his time in the inside of South America and his interactions with the people living there.His reactions were varied.He often voices disgust at the barbarism of the settlers towards the Indians in the wars that occur there, while simultaneously describing the Indians as savages with terrible habits.Overall, however, he seems impressed with South America from the classical liberal point of view, saying "It is impossible to doubt that the extreme liberalism of these countries, must ultimately lead to good results."It would be interesting to see what Darwin would think of South America today.Throughout the book he adamately denounces the slavery sees with a keen insight, saying of an escaped slave woman who killed herself rather than be reenslaved, "In a Roman matron this would have been called the noble love of freedom: in a poor negress it is mere brutal obstinancy."Darwin was ahead of his time in this respect.

The part of the book covering his time in the Galapagos is surprisingly short, at least in respect to the emphasis Darwin later put on his time in the islands.It's also interesting to consider Darwin's reaction to them (he thought they were ugly and barren) when considering the impact the diversity of species on the islands played in his evidence for evolution.

All in all, the book has really good, insightful things to pick up, but other parts, such as Darwin's lengthy description of the masses of tiny floating sea creatures, I could have done without.Pick it up if you are really looking to put together a really complete picture of Darwin's life, with tedious details included.

Did I Just Return from South America?No Wait, I Read Darwin
The striking characteristic of Darwin's "Voyage of the Beagle" is its completeness.Not only is Darwin infinitely observant and insightful in all of his descriptions, he takes interest in everything!He continues for pages about worms (Planaria) and fireflies (Lampyris occidentalis) in Rio de Janeiro, gauchos and the pampas in Argentina, andof course the famous giant tortoises (Testudo Indicus) in the Galapagos-- just for a few examples.The scope of his observations is stunning; he is equally comfortable discussing algae or societal conventions, such as slavery.However, the depth is equally impressive; the amount of information provided on, for instance, ostrich breeding patterns, makes one wonder how Darwin possibly absorbed so much information on such a relatively short trip-- five years is not so long when you're trying to catalog every single animal, plant, and person around you!The extraordinary detail combined with the range of subject matter creates such a vivid image that the journal reads more like an travel book than anything else; I definitely recommend it for an engaging and both naturally and historically informative read. ... Read more

Book Description
This transcription of notes made by Charles Darwin during the voyage of H. M. S. Beagle records his observations of the animals and plants that he encountered, and provides a valuable insight into the intellectual development of one of our most influential scientists. Darwin drew on many of these notes for his well known Journal of Researches (1839), but the majority of them have remained unpublished. This volume provides numerous examples of his unimpeachable accuracy in describing the wide range of animals seen in the course of his travels, and of his closely analytical approach towards every one of his observations. Only at the very end of the voyage were his first doubts about the immutability of species expressed consciously, but here are to be found the initial seeds of his theory of evolution, and of the fields of behavioural and ecological study of which he was one of the founding fathers. ... Read more

Book Description
Upon publication, Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species excited much debate and controversy, challenging the foundations of Christianity, nonetheless underpinning the Victorian concept of progress. It still evokes powerful and contradictory responses today. Peter Bowler's study of Darwin's life, first published in 1990, combines biography and cultural history. Emphasizing in particular the impact of Darwin's work, he shows how Darwin's contemporaries were unable to appreciate precisely those aspects of his thinking that are considered scientifically important today. He also demonstrates that Darwin was a product of his time, but he also transcended it by creating an idea capable of being exploited by twentieth-century scientists and intellectuals who had very different values from his own. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A look at the life and work of Darwin for general readers
Charles Darwin obviously played a major role in the development of modern scientific thought and has become a multi-faceted mythical figure in terms of modern culture, competing with Christopher Columbus in the minds of many for the title of Dead White European Male who most contributed to the decline of Western Civilization in general and the American continent in particular.In "Charles Darwin: The Man and His Influence," Peter J. Bowler, who has written several books on the history of evolutionary theory including "Theories of Human Evolution" and "The Victorians and the Past," makes it clear that Darwin was not the first person to publish evolutionary ideas (not even in his own family) and emphasizes that his theory of natural selection was not generally accepted by his contemporaries.The publication of "The Origin of Species" not only stirred controversy and debate among both the scientific community and the general public, but it also reinforced the Victorian concept of progress.When Darwin died in 1882 and was buried in Westminster Abbey as a national hero of scientific discovery Victorian culture had undergone a major transformation.

Bowler's look at Darwin's life and influence tries to explain how his contemporaries were unable to appreciate those aspects of this theories that are the ones we consider most important today.Ultimately, Darwin is seen as not only a product of his time but a person who transcended it by creating an idea that is still being explored by 21st-century scientists and intellectuals with beliefs and values very different from his own.Bowler shows us not only how Darwin reacted to contemporary ideas, at a time when science and the humanities were not seen as "two cultures," as well as how his ideas were received and adapated.Consequently, in addition to being a biography of a great man of science, it is also an examation of cultural history, which is perhaps the more important part of the effort.I had no problem following the scientific aspects and I never even took biology in high school, so I would think pretty much anybody can understand the arguments as well.

The contents of "Charles Darwin: The Man and his Influence" is as follows: (1) The Problem of Interpretation, which looks at both the man and the myths that has arisen about him as well as the new perspectives on the rise of evolutionism; (2) Evolution before the "Origin of Species" looks at both radical evolutionism and the opponents of transmutation that defined the scientific debate at that time; (3) The Young Darwin covers his family and university life; (4) The Voyage of the "Beagle" details his famous trip to South America and across teh Pacific; (5) The Crucial Years: London, 1837-1842 is when Darwin developed his theory of natural selection; (6) The Years of Development at Down House is when Darwin was able to develop his theory in relative security; (7) Going Public presents the argument of the "Origin of Species"; (8) The Emergence of Darwinism deals less with Darwin than those that picked up his cause such as Alfred Russel Wallace and Thomas Henry Huxley; (9) The Opponents of Darwinism covers the response of those who espoused theistic evolutionism and the rise of Lamarckism; (10) Human Origins is about the "Descent of Man" and the idea of social evolutionism; and (11) Darwin and the Modern World looks at the death of Darwin and the rebirth of Darwinism after that point.The book is illustrated with photograph, cartoons and caricatures, and diagrams from Darwin's notebooks.

The Cambridge Science Biographies are written by prominent international authorities in the history of science and are intended to be readily accessible to the general reader and student.While society depends upon science what scientists actually do remains a mystery to many people.Despite science usually being presetned dispassionately and impersonally, editor David Knight points out that "science is a human activity, and the personalities of those who practice it are integral to its process."Other volumes in this series are devoted to Galileo, Isaac Newton, Humphry Davy, Henry More, Antoine Lavoisier, and Andre-Marie Ampere.These scientists were chosen for their eminence and these biographies are intended to both illuminate the scientific process and to place the scientists in the social and intellectual context of their age.

Enjoyable Bio on One of the Most Influential Men in History
In his biography of Charles Darwin, Peter Bowler dispels many of the misconceptions surrounding Darwin's immediate influence on the scientific world.Bowler argues that Darwin's theory did not spark a scientific revolution which caused a majority of scientists to abandon their former views on natural history.Bowler explains that Darwin was not the first naturalist to advance a theory of evolution.Most importantly, Bowler reveals that Darwin's theory was not accepted blindly by the scientific community.In fact, many of Darwin's most faithful supporters found scientific weaknesses in his theory.As Bowler states, "Darwin's greatest achievement was to force the majority of his contemporaries to reconsider their attitudes towards the basic idea of evolution" (p. 128).

Bowler's book was the first biography I have read of Darwin, and I found it very enjoyable.It is one of the college books that I have kept.I definitely recommend it to any reader interested in Darwin's work and influence.

Charles Darwin's important influence on scientific thought
Peter Bowler presents a synopsis of Charles Darwin's contributions to science, history, and culture. This book tries to provide a quick summary of the important periods in Darwin's life, touching briefly on each significant aspect.

Much of the book is written in a somewhat technical way and is a bit too wordy. I had a difficult time maintaining my interest while I was reading some of the chapters. Certain areas deserved more coverage, like the reaction when Darwin went public with his theories.

On the positive side, this book does give some good insight on Darwin's relationships with the other prominent scientists of his time and there are some moments where the slowness of the book becomes more interesting, like the section that covers Darwin's voyage of discovery aboard the Beagle. Overall, however, Bowler does not really present anything new or profound that we haven't heard before.

Enthralling
While you may not come away from this book feeling you would've called him Charlie, you will have derived a more than nodding acquaintance with an exceptional person.In the beginning -of the book- there seems to be an overemphasis on theological & philosophical issues but that is a clever construction that skillfully leads you to a profound grasp of Darwin's iconoclastic interpretations of mundane phenomena from which his theories grew.In the end, you regret even more never having met the man. ... Read more

Book Description

Are they needed? To be sure. The Darwinian industry, industrious though it is, has failed to provide texts of more than a handful of Darwin's books. If you want to know what Darwin said about barnacles (still an essential reference to cirripedists, apart from any historical importance) you are forced to search shelves, or wait while someone does it for you;some have been in print for a century;various reprints have appeared and since vanished."
—Eric Korn,Times Literary Supplement

Charles Robert Darwin (1880-1882) has been widely recognized since his own time as one of the most influential writers in the history of Western thought. His books were widely read by specialists and the general public, and his influence had been extended by almost continuous public debate over the last 130 years. New York University Press' edition makes it possible for the first time to review Darwin's public literary output as a whole, plus his scientific journal articles, his private notebooks, and his correspondence.

This is the first complete edition containing all of Darwin's published books, featuring definitive texts recording original paginations with Darwin's indexes retained. All illustrations and plates are presented, inclucing 82 color plates of birds and mammals and several folding maps and plates. The set also features a general introduction and index, and textural introductions in each volume.

Book Description
1885. With illustrations. A volume by Darwin the British naturalist who became famous for his theories of evolution and natural selection. In 1861, Darwin took a break from writing his book on animal domestication and went on holiday with his daughter, Henrietta, to Torquay on the Devon coast. While there he spent many an hour examining the way insects pollinate orchids in the fields around the town. He noticed that only certain insects pollinate one particular orchid variety. When he returned to Down House he immediately switched from breeding pigeons to raising orchids. During the Victorian era, orchids were all the rage, and as soon as word got out that Darwin was raising them he found himself being flooded with specimens from all over the country. What he set out to do was study how orchids used intricate petal designs to attract bees and moths to their pollen. How did such a relationship evolve? The subject fascinated him and the results are to be found in this work. ... Read more

Book Description
In The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin refused to discuss human evolution, believing the subject too “surrounded with prejudices.” He had been reworking his notes since the 1830s, but only with trepidation did he finally publish The Descent of Man in 1871. The book notoriously put apes in our family tree and made the races one family, diversified by “sexual selection”— Darwin’s provocative theory that female choice among competing males leads to diverging racial characteristics. Though less well known than The Origin of Species, The Descent of Man continues to shape the way we think about what it is that makes us uniquely human. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The beginning of human evolution understanding...
If you want to understand the human evolution, you might read the original though. Of course, there are some misunderstandings, then you might read considering the historical influence and personal conflicts of Charles Darwin. Essential for researchers on sexual selection.

Freed our minds for relativity
Just as "Origin of Species is misunderstood, I believe "Descent" to be also, although the latter is a more entertaining read."Descent" fails to concentrate on man without deviating.It is a book of observations and study.It concentrates on how animal life, has, by sexual selection, brought forth the variety in the species we see today, through millions of years.Darwin covered his beloved pigeons in depth in "Origins" and continues at length on many other bird species in "Descent".I agree with him that all the different types of birds we see today probably came from one ancestor of the pigeon.This is called variation of kind.We see this in just about every living creature and flora.The problem arises when the next step is taken, the rise of one species turning into another (reptile to bird).Throughout the book Darwin does admit to this fact, but he still maintains that it must be, with much difficulty.He does hint to nature having some "power of thought", where does this come from?How does nature make these choices?Why did Darwin focus so on the black tribes: their practices, looks, sexuality, if he did not believe them a lower race?Of course he only hints at this, and his belief of evolving from apes is scant, but obvious.Does not the use of race to distinguish only separate?His theory on idiots as somehow lower is also disturbing.And what of the rudimentary parts and vestigial organs.As we progress in our scientific study we understand more on their uses, and there may be much we will never understand.In the end he gives a poor argument, and a convoluted book.

There is no doubt there is a tremendous amount of work that went into his book.It is a difficult and painful read, although there are many interesting and detailed observations.One does need to know his enemy.Darwin is not the originator of "evolution."There are many who came before him, since the dawn of time.He was influenced by numerous men of his time, some being more radical.Darwin was nothing new, he just maid it "hip."What he started has turned into the secular humanism the world has adopted.I don't think he meant for this disease to spread like it has.From his writings I understand him as an agnostic, but doubtful.I believed he struggled with the possibly of a deist.It is safe to say it was his only ambition till his dying day to prove "evolution" as proof of our existence.What of the missing fossil record?, he new they would be found.He was a confusing man.

150 years later and there still has been no intermediate fossils found to prove the case.In fact we are discovering more that validates creation.

Why don't we see a scale or a feather erupt occasionally on man?Is it because it is not in our DNA, and never was?

The theory of evolution caused Darwin to loose his faith and his experience has been repeated in countless lives.Evolution is an acid that eats away at the mind, a cancer.

One only needs to open the pages to Michael Behe's book, "Darwin's Black Box", to understand the futility of the evolutionary theory.The engines of life at the molecular level are so complex that there leaves no other possibility than a creator of the universe.There should be no excuse.

Charles Darwin: The English Da Vinci anda Valid Heretic.
The 'Descent of Man' is really the better of his two earth-shattering books.He unleashed 'The Origin of the Species' book for the scientific rebels and christian theologians to chew on and debate.And then came ,'Descent of Man', and the book continues to fire mass debates everyday.The other great thinker of his day,was Karl Marx.And both men had their writings misunderstood and exploited by ruthless montebanks.I read some of the reviews for the 'Species' book.For the record,Hitler was an 'Anglo-phobe' and hated anything that was British.Hitler saw the writings of Darwin as 'English-Jewish Non-sense'.Hitler felt that his Aryan people were the true 'children of God',and uniquely seperate from other human pagan races. Hitler was an uneducted insane Christian,who almost enslaved the world with his 'Kernwaffen' and almost imposed his self-styled christian views on the planet.After 150 years of discussion,this Darwin book has freed the minds and hearts for all rational people. And this book continues to irritate the filthy apes that live in darkness and fear.

How is possible that I am the first to review this important book?
This book takes off where "Origin of the Species" leaves off.In Origin, Darwin does not present his hypotheses on the origin of man, but in this book he states categorically thatthe human race is descended from earlier species of apes, which were descended from much more primitive life forms.The book is the work of a naturalist, and it is surprising how perceptive Darwin was, considering that this book was written in 1871.It faced a storm of rejection and tremendous furor.The book caused a storm of controversy throughout the entire world.Darwin sets out his facts as dispassionately as possible, but that did not stop many nations from banning the work.Darwin also clearly states in this important work that man is continuing to evolve.In this book Darwin states that the two main forms of selection that helped to shape the animals and humans the most through time are the theories of natural selection and sexual selection, and he explains the difference between these two often throughout the book.Even though the book is actually quite readable, I found it not an easy book to read.Even now these theories seem too much to be believed in some spots, but I do not argue at all with Darwin's theory.It is in fact the only way that the human race could have evolved.Definitely a must-read for anyone interested in "ground-breaking" literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

buy another edition
This book was supposed to be the 2nd edition of Charles Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle. Definitely a classic and definitely worth a read. But you should probably buy another publisher's version because I found a few blatant typos in this copy. Although there weren't that many and it didn't detract from the reading too much, why own a copy with errors in it?

As far as the book itself is concerned, I thought it was pretty good in teaching us about Darwin and his travels. It reads a lot like a travel guide, in that he just catalogues all these animals and plants and things that he encounters. His skills of observation are amazing, it's really no surprise that he eventually gathered the data that he felt was necessary to back up his claims of evolution. He definitely pays amazing attention to detail.

On the other hand, he just jumps into chapter 1 page 1 with a lot of this dry detail and it was hard to get interested in the book at first. He definitely tries to use some fancy prose at parts ("Goodbye, Australia!"... I liked that part a lot) and he's really good at it, too, I wonder why he doesnt try to be more dramatic more of the time, haha.

The main thing that I found attractive about this book is that Darwin not only talks about the flora, fauna, and geology of the places he visited, but he also talked about the cultural and societal influences that they had. The section in his book about the South American gauchos was reallly really interesting. In addition, I'd read the Darwin Conspiracy (a novel!) before i read this book, it is very interesting to see how the descriptions of the Fuegians drastically differed, even though some of the actual events that occurred in the two works were the same.

And it's interesting that although Darwin does talk about the indigenous people somewhat, it seems that he focuses on the European Settlers (subsequent immigrants) and their culture a lot. And this part I found especially fascinating, I suppose because there wasn't that language barrier (Like the part where he criticizes Brazilian slavery).

Oh and the last thing I want to say is that the part on the Galapagos was really underwhelming. After all this buildup and suspense I thought he was going to say something really profound, haha. And he definitely did foreshadow some of the ideas of adaptive radiation in that chapter both about the finches and the tortoises, but it wasnt what I was expecting. In fact, the Galapagos chapter basically read like all the other chapters in its mechanical recollection of all the details of his observations.

Overall, awesome book. ... Read more

Product Description
This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1886 edition by John Murray, London. ... Read more