Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Having read on Evolution by Natural Selection (EBNS) in many books and articles previously, including Richard Dawkins' excellent works "The Selfish Gene" and "The Extended Phenotype," both highly recommended, I wanted to read Charles Darwin's own account of EBNS. Here it is: the First Edition with the later Historical Note and Glossary added. I had already read and enjoyed "The Voyage of the Beagle," and I consider it a classic of travel writing (broadly defined.)
You may be wary of the classic "The Origin of Species" as stylistically remote or overly technical. It is neither. This book (anachronisms aside) could have been written yesterday. The style (as I find amongst a fair number of 19th century writers) eschews the flowery prose we associate with the Victorian Era; and is rather: clear, concise, nicely flowing, quite modern, and eminently readable. Any technical writer could learn from Darwin's writing. Though some technical details are included, it is written such that an informed layman will have no trouble in following it. "The Origin of Species" is a logical and persuasive tour de force. I can see easily why it caused the commotion it did at the time: it's a blockbuster argument that destroyed the standing order at a stroke.
As noted, I consider "The Voyage of the Beagle" to be a classic of travel writing. No navel-gazing; but well-written stories of what he experienced in an important voyage around the world. The two books are complimentary in that the Origin completes the work begun as a young man in the Voyage. An excellent idea to place them in one volume.
In addition, you get a very fine introductory essay by Richard Dawkins, which nicely sets the historical and scientific scene for the books, especially "The Origin of Species." And you get the other features of an Everyman's Library edition, which I find immensely helpful: the author's chronology including their life events, publications, and the literary and historical context of their life and work; a selected bibliography. The book itself is beautifully designed and constructed and a joy to hold, read, and refer to. I often buy Everyman's library editions for these very reasons. My only possible reservation for this edition is that the EML editions have a somewhat smaller than standard font, which may be an issue for some readers. However, the typeface is very clear and the nearly perfect alignment of pages helps prevent visual bleed-through and the book is really quite easy on the eyes.
Highly recommended, enjoy.
Click Here to see more reviews about: The Origin of Species and the Voyage of the Beagle
(Book Jacket Status: Jacketed)Easily the most influential book published in the nineteenth century, Darwin's The Origin of Species is also that most unusual phenomenon, an altogether readable discussion of a scientific subject. On its appearance in 1859 it was immediately recognized by enthusiasts and detractors alike as a work of the greatest importance: its revolutionary theory of evolution by means of natural selection provoked a furious reaction that continues to this day.The Origin of Species is here published together with Darwin's earlier Voyage of the ‘Beagle.' This 1839 account of the journeys to South America and the Pacific islands that first put Darwin on the track of his remarkable theories derives an added charm from his vivid description of his travels in exotic places and his eye for the piquant detail.
Get 38% OFF
Click here for more information about The Origin of Species and the Voyage of the Beagle
0 comments:
Post a Comment