Charles Darwin: And the Evolution Revolution (Oxford Portraits in Science) [Paperback]

Rebecca Stefoff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 4, 1998 | Series: Oxford Portraits in Science

On the Origin of Species, published in 1858, transformed our view of the world and made Charles Darwin one of the most controversial figures in science. This biography begins much earlier with his long search for a profession, his five-year voyage around the world on the Beagle, and the decades-long intellectual journey he made in his study and garden. But it is for his theory about the origin of man and natural selection that he is remembered. His book threw the scientific community into a heated debate that continues today, and has made evolutionary biology one of the liveliest areas of science. This new biography looks at the person behind the controversy whose earth- shaking discoveries and ideas remain as exciting and interesting as today's headlines.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

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, CA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 9^-12. Budding evolutionary biologists will welcome this thoroughly researched biography, which emphasizes Darwin's tremendous influence in scientific, social, and political spheres. Sidebars offer concise, helpful summaries of important concepts, such as extinction and Mendelian genetics. An exception is the sidebar, "What Is a Species?" which does not reflect the complexity of the current definition of the term and demands more references than are given. Extensive photos of Darwin and his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as reproductions of public notices and cartoons, are handsome additions to the nicely laid-out text. There are no footnotes, but the solid bibliography cites many academic works and some children's biographies. The book will have limited appeal, though it offers generally thorough, clear explanations of Darwin's scientific theories and sheds light on his personality. Debbie Carton --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (June 4, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195120280
• ISBN-13: 978-0195120288
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,832,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rebecca Stefoff published her first books when she was in college and has been writing ever since. She is the author of more than 150 books, with more on the way. Her writing motto: "Ideas are easy. Pages are hard."

Rebecca has written many nonfiction books for children and young adults, with an emphasis on science and history. Through her books teenage readers can explore topics as varied as ghosts, robots, bacteria, evolution, women pioneers, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, and forensic crime solving.

Over the course of her freelance writing career Rebecca has also published romance novels, celebrity biographies, reference works, and even a self-help book. In addition, she has adapted the works of historian Howard Zinn, science writer Charles C. Mann, and ethnic studies pioneer Ronald Takaki for young audiences.

After growing up in Indiana, Rebecca moved to Philadelphia for graduate school. Later she moved to the Pacific Northwest and now lives in Portland, Oregon.

When Rebecca was in the fifth grade she picked up a copy of Robert A. Heinlein's novel Space Cadet in her school library. That got her hooked on speculative fiction: science fiction at first, then fantasy and later horror. As a grad student in English at the University of Pennsylvania, she developed and taught the school's first undergraduate classes in science fiction and fantasy. She still loves speculative fiction and reads a lot of nonfiction as well. Her interests include evolutionary biology, Himalayan travel and polar exploration, and archaeology.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good introductory book, December 2, 2007

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M. Fonseca "carmarthen" (Thunder) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Charles Darwin: And the Evolution Revolution (Oxford Portraits in Science) (Paperback)

This is a very short book that serves as a good introcutory book about the life of Charles Darqwin and his importance to science. However, if you want to dig deep into the mand an its achievements, you'll have to read a whole lotta more...

Anyway, this book completely attends its pourpose: a brief biography that will make you wanna know more.