Description

The Essential Darwin

When Charles Darwin first proposed the theory of evolution in 1858 he altered man’s sense of his own relationship to the world forever. The far-reaching implications of the idea of natural selection dawned only gradually, yet in 130 years Darwin’s discovery has shown no signs of being superseded. Most people have a vague idea of Darwinian theory, but few perhaps have had the chance to read what Darwin actually wrote. It was The Folio Society’s intention to change that with “The Essential Darwin”, a selection of four books which are not only those most central to his great discovery, but also those with most appeal for the general reader.

A Naturalist`s Voyage (1839) – Journal of researches into the natural history and geology of the countries visited during the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle under the command of Capt. Fitzroy R.N. introduction by Richard Dawkins. At the age of twenty-two Darwin went round the world on a surveying voyage, as ship’s naturalist on HMS Beagle. As he travelled he observed the richness and diversity of living species, and it was in the Galapagos, in particular – islands of recent volcanic origin with unique plants and animals adapted to particular habitats – that he began to formulate his theory. This intriguing travel book provides a marvellous introduction to Darwin’s evolutionary ideas. 432pp

On The Origin Of Species (1859) – By means of natural selection (or the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life. Twenty years after he had first conceived the theory of evolution, Darwin produced the controversial On The Origin of Species. From observing that individuals of the same species varied from each other in looks and behaviour, that they inherited characteristics from their parents, and that their survival depended on their ability to adapt to different environments. Darwin works his way in this famous book towards a common ancestry of all living things. 308pp

The Descent Of Man (1871) – and selection in relation to sex. In this seminal work Darwin turns to the human species. There are chapters on the development of man, his mental powers compared with those of other animals, and the principles of sexual selection in humans and animals. A book which discusses boldly matters of race, morality, superstition, and sexual and intellectual differences between men and women, it caused a huge controversy on publication. 608pp

The Expressions Of The Emotions (1873) – In Man And Animals. This is an extraordinary work on the possible links between human and animal emotional behaviour. Darwin was fascinated by the social significance of such behaviour – blushing for instance – and this quirky and entertaining book, with its delightful descriptions of wild and domestic animals and curious anecdotes on the subject of human behaviour, is illustrated not only with numerous drawings, but also with a series of remarkable pioneering photographs, showing the range of emotional expressions. 272pp

Features;

• Folio Society First Impression No. 671
• Publisher Folio Society, London; 1990
• Green Buckram Hardback
• Size 260 x 160 x 160mm, 5kg

Condition: Fine – Superb Unmarked Copy

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