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drew on many of these notes for his well known Journal of Researches (1839), but the majority of them have remained unpublished.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
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

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

Customer Reviews (2)

Very good introduction to Darwin's works
Ridley selected some of Darwin's most important passages from his various works- from "Voyage of the Beagle" to his well-known "Origin of Species".Although some of Darwin's original passages are a bithard to read, Ridley does a great job in summarizing beforehand the aspectsof each selection in the introductions to the passages.Ridley also pointsout some of the truths and misinterpretations made by Darwin without bias.

If you want a compilation of Darwin's important passages in one book, orjust a solid introduction to Darwin, his theories and works, this book willbe sufficient for everyone.

second edition well worth the read
The Darwin Reader, Second Edition, is well worth the read.I have yet to find a more helpful and interesting compilation of Darwin's works.With the second edition, Ridley expands the book with more information about Darwin's life and gives helpful hints on where to continue research in thisfield.In my opinion, this book is targeted for the college student withthe new preface.A top ten in my library! ... Read more

Book Description
Begun in 1876 and published posthumously in 1887, The Autobiography of Charles Darwin contains the life and experiences of the man, not only in his own words, but also in the words of his son, Sir Francis Darwin. "My father's autobiographical recollections, given in the present chapter, were written for his children,--and written without any thought that they would ever be published. To many this may seem an impossibility; but those who knew my father will understand how it was not only possible, but natural. The autobiography bears the heading, 'Recollections of the Development of my Mind and Character,' and end with the following note:--'Aug. 3, 1876. This sketch of my life was begun about May 28th at Hopedene (Mr. Hensleigh Wedgwood's house in Surrey.), and since then I have written for nearly an hour on most afternoons.' It will easily be understood that, in a narrative of a personal and intimate kind written for his wife and children, passages should occur which must here be omitted; and I have not thought it necessary to indicate where such omissions are made. It has been found necessary to make a few corrections of obvious verbal slips, but the number of such alterations has been kept down to the minimum.--F.D." Download Description
[My father's autobiographical recollections, given in the present chapter, were written for his children, - and written without any thought that they would ever be published. To many this may seem an impossibility; but those who knew my father will understand how it was not only possible, but natural. The autobiography bears the heading, 'Recollections of the Development of my Mind and Character,' and end with the following note: - "Aug. 3, 1876. This sketch of my life was begun about May 28th at Hopedene (Mr. Hensleigh Wedgwood's house in Surrey.), and since then I have written for nearly an hour on most afternoons." It will easily be understood that, in a narrative of a personal and intimate kind written for his wife and children, passages should occur which must here be omitted; and I have not thought it necessary to indicate where such omissions are made. It has been found necessary to make a few corrections of obvious verbal slips, but the number of such alterations has been kept down to the minimum. -F.D.] ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Overview of Darwin's Life
Darwin's Autobiography serves as a good overview of his life and the major events that happened to him.While the actual autobiography itself is very short and lacks details, its a good starting point for someone wanting to learn more about Darwin.In this edition edited by his son Francis Darwin leaves out some passages about Darwin's family and married life, something one could argue as particularly telling or interesting information; if this bugs you, buy the later edition.

One of the most interesting sections to me was Darwin's description of his boyhood and young adult years.It's comical to hear this scientist describe his obsession with the pastime of shooting things and his mediocre performance in school.A few things signal Darwin's observational powers or scientific inclination, such as his collection of beetles, but for the most part, he seems an ordinary young person.

Also, the book continually references scientists and intellectuals of the time which Darwin comments on.Some of these people were close to Darwin, others he just mentions.Now knowing these people can be somewhat frustrating to the reading, as I can attest to.The book is very much written and directed at his children, who would be familiar with this social context.

Even with these minor faults, Darwin does give insight into his own mind, something I'm sure anyone who's reading a book about Darwin is looking for.The introspection comes at the end of the book.Darwin speaks of his own reasoning capacities and ability to notice things which easily escape the observations of other men.

This book is short and a I recommend it as a good place to start for getting a handle on the major events of Darwin's life and hearing Darwin's own perspective.

a fun read
This book is definitely a really fun read for someone with some leisure time and an interest in Darwin. It's important to not take this book too seriously (perhaps) because Darwin doesn't really take it that seriously himself. The autobiography tells us a lot about Charles Darwin the man and the way that he felt about certain issues but it barely scratches the surface: he has a great sense of humor (like when he talks about his original plans for being in the clergy) and sometimes he talks about his own life seriously (like his regret for not reading more poetry), but when you come down to it, the book is sort of written in a really mechanical manner. He doesn't really share with us any of his deepest desires or secrets (nor do we really expect him to).

Overall this autobiography is pretty fun to read and it's probably a good springboard from which we can then go and read his Origin of Species or Voyage of the Beagle. ... 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
This is the second volume of the complete edition of The Correspondence of Charles Darwin. The letters in this volume were written during the seven years following Darwin's return to England from the Beagle voyage. It was a period of extraordinary activity and productivity in which he became recognised as a naturalist of outstanding ability, as an author and editor, and as a professional man with official responsibilities in several scientific organizations. During these years he published two books and fifteen papers and he also organized and superintended the publication of th Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle. Busy as he was with scientific activities, Darwin found time to re-establish family ties and friendship, and married his cousin, Emma Wedgewood. In 1842, they moved to Down House, where Darwin was to spend the rest of his life. Viewed retrospectively, the most important of Darwin's activities during the years 1837-1843 was the development and first draft of his ideas on speciation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

5 stars or more
- at least for taking on the subject... much more consise and readable then the paired with it The Tree of Life by Sis. Also very much recommend "Our Family Tree: An Evolution Story" for kids from 3 to 9.

A book introducing the concept of evolution to the general public is expertly told for young readers
This 48-page history of Charles Darwin's famous sea voyage that was to ultimately result in his publishing a book introducing the concept of evolution to the general public is expertly told for young readers by Mark Bergin and perfectly complemented by the outstanding full color artwork and illustrations by Mark Bergin. Beginning with an informative and concise introduction of the life of Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882), Inside The Beagle With Charles Darwin presents the ship "Beagle" being outfitted for the multi-year voyage, life on board ship, Darwin's exploration of the rainforest, finding fossils, returning home after visiting New Zealand and Australia, and then how Darwin arranged what he'd found, the deductions he made from his findings, and the basic concept that became known as the theory of evolution. Enhanced with a timeline of the voyage, a chronological list of Darwin's life and works, a glossary, and an index, Inside The Beagle With Charles Darwin is a seminal and strongly recommended addition to all grade school and community library Science History collections for children.
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Customer Reviews (2)

Incredible
This book and its sister publication Time Gate, though written two decades ago, STILL reads like a revolutionary view of the future. Pellegrino was one of the framers of the US/Soviet Space Cooperation Initiative, advocating and predicting an international space station, as a springboard to Mars and Europa, even before President Reagan announced the building of an American Space Station. He invented the dinosaur cloning recipe used in "Jurassic Park," predicted the discovery of oceans and the possibility of life inside the iceworlds circling Jupiter and Saturn, and even showed how interstellar flight at 92% lightspeed might be possible by the mid-21st century. In this brief history of life on Earth, we can see the first hints of the elegant writing style that we would come to love in his later books, both in his science and his gripping science fiction.

Incredible
This book and its sister publication Time Gate, though written two decades ago, STILL reads like a revolutionary view of the future. Pellegrino was one of the framers of the US/Soviet Space Cooperation Initiative, advocating and predicting an international space station, as a springboard to Mars and Europa, even before President Reagan announced the building of an American Space Station. He invented the dinosaur cloning recipe used in "Jurassic Park," predicted the discovery of oceans and the possibility of life inside the iceworlds circling Jupiter and Saturn, and even showed how interstellar flight at 92% lightspeed might be possible by the mid-21st century. In this brief history of life on Earth, we can see the first hints of the elegant writing style that we would come to love in his later books, both in his science and his gripping science fiction. ... Read more

Book Description
This selection of essays allows the reader to learn more about Darwin the family man, as well as the context of Darwin's achievements in several developing research fields of the Victorian Age. Darwin knew and cultivated the friendship of such scientists as Sir Joseph Hooker, Alfred Russel Wallace, Richard Owen, Adam Sedgwick, and Thomas Henry Huxley. He conducted an enormous correspondence with all who could aid him in his work. Their name is legion; it is sampled here, and constitutes one of the marvels of Darwin's century. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Knowing Charles Darwin
A man of such renown has been written up in many volumes. His letters andhis self-knowledge have won readers for more than a century now. A few ofhis intimate recollections are presented here in one small volume, mosthelpfully. But to Darwin's own candor and depth of memory the editor--ascholar and a person plainly admiring this great and modest man--has linkedthe living witness of a dozen people of many kinds who visited, questioned,even quarreled with the biologist.

As in a well-made play, the qualitiesof Darwin's character unfold from the tales. Here is the child with aconscience, who admitted to made-up wonders--and soon regrets thedeception. Here is Alfred Wallace, the specimen collector from Indonesia,who wrote a brief paper to Darwin himself to seek aid in publishingtheessay that described in brief the very theory Darwin had spent twenty yearsdocumenting to convince the wide world.Alfred Walllace sent it to thatvery man just as Darwin's big treatise was newly ready. What is wonderfulis how Darwin and Wallace understood that stroke of fate, and remainedlifelong friends in the face of the celebrity Darwin won and deserved, asWallace's insight was given what was due him.

Here are Darwin'sfriends--Huxleys, Hooker, his cousin Galton, his devoted sons--recallingfamily life. Here too is the feminist author Harriet Martineau, guest atthe Darwin's a few times, and her estimate of this man. The power of thispageant of commentary is all but unique among biographies, even thoughnothing really new is here.

Most touching--and most winning--of all isthe little-read narrative by father Charles himself of the life of hisoldest daughter Ann, who died at ten years age of a delayed effect ofscarlet fever. With no sentimentality, but with discernment and love, hewrites: "She had a truly feminine interest in dress...such undisguisedsatisfaction escaping somehow all tinge of conceit & vanity beamed fromher face, when she got hold of some ribbon...of her mamma's."

Truesimplicity, dignity, and precise perceptions shine from this book of manywriters (a few of them enemies of Darwin's). It is a model of compilation,and would repay a wide readership even if it were the drama of acomfortable undistinguished Victorian, and not that of arguably the mostinfluential of scientists and his wide circle.

Philip & PhylisMorrison ... 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 volume covers the first years of Darwin's study of the structure and systematics of barnacles: work that involved a worldwide search for specimens, detailed microscopic investigations, a consideration of the theoretical assumptions underlying classification schemes, and the solution of practical problems of zoological nomenclature. Darwin's convictions about the nature and origin of species influenced his observations and conclusions and provided insights that led to some remarkable discoveries. Throughout this period Darwin also maintained his involvement in major geological debates, as shown by important exchanges with Charles Lyell, Robert Chambers, James Dwight Dana, Bernhard Studer, and others.The letters to Darwin include Joseph Dalton Hooker's descriptions of his dramatic and frequently dangerous travels through previously closed regions of Sikkim and Tibet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Selection
This book is very good especially if you haven't read very much about Darwin and are not familiar with his works. The selections are good representations of his overall work and the editor's notes are helpful. Anindex would be nice. ... Read more

Book Description
During 1867 Darwin intensified lines of research that were to result in two important publications, Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex and Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Darwin circulated a questionnaire on human expression, asking his established contacts to pass it on to their acquaintances, with the result that he began to receive letters from an even more diverse and far-flung network of correspondents than had previously been the case. Convinced that human descent was strongly influenced by sexual selection, he also started to ask his correspondents about sexual differences in animals and birds. At the same time, he was working on the proof-sheets of another major work, Variation ofAnimals and Plants under Domestication, while negotiating almost weekly with French, German, and Russian translators.For information on the Charles Darwin Correspondence Project, see http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/Departments/Darwin. ... Read more