Charles Darwin: And the Evolution Revolution (Oxford Portraits in Science)
Grade 7 Up?This portrait of a scientist "whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world" is not only an excellent biography but also a fine introduction to evolutionary biology. Information on Darwin's childhood and education shows how his early passion for natural history provided background for the meticulous observations he made during his 5-year-long voyage on the HMS Beagle, the formulation of his theory of evolution, and the 20 years of additional research that he undertook before publishing On the Origin of Species in 1859. Stefoff gives the main points of Darwin's theory of "descent with modification" and effectively quotes the scientist's writings to communicate how his theory was influenced by the work of others and his desire to amass supportive data in anticipation of every possible objection. The author deals with the opposition that Darwin encountered on religious grounds and from fellow scientists in a particularly insightful fashion. She considers the path to general acceptance of the man's theory as part of science and common thought and addresses the on-going controversy surrounding Darwinism today. Well-captioned black-and-white archival photographs, reproductions, and drawings; a chronology, and two-or-three-page sidebars all extend the text. The impressive list for further reading includes titles by Darwin, books on his life and work, and on Darwinism and evolution. A well-written, thoroughly engaging biography.?Carolyn Angus, The Claremont Graduate School, CACopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.