The Darwin Reader (Second Edition) [Paperback]

Charles Darwin (Author), Mark Ridley (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 17, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0393969673 | ISBN-13: 978-0393969672 | Edition: Second Edition

"Here is Darwin in his own words, at once accessible and profound, ranging widely over many problems that fascinated him and through which he made discoveries that changed the world." —From the First Edition

For this new edition of selected key passages from Darwin's nine most important books, mark Ridley has added several elements. A new preface focuses on how Darwin's revolutionary writings can be best understood by modern readers, especially college students. The introduction and notes for each selection have also been revised, based on the latest Darwin scholarship. Finally, the bibliography has been updated, substantially expanded, and annotated to provide students with helpful hints on where to look for more information on Darwin as well as on modern interpretations of evolution.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-1882) is the father of evolution. His groundbreaking The Origin of Species argued that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors, and proposed the scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection. As much as anyone in the modern era, Darwin has changed the course of human thought.

Mark Ridley works in the Department of Zoology, Oxford University. He previously held posts at Emory University in Atlanta and at Cambridge University in England. His books include the standard college text Evolution and Mendel’s Demon. He has also edited anthologies on Evolution and A Darwin Selection.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; Second Edition edition (February 17, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393969673
• ISBN-13: 978-0393969672
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #238,736 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #76 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Evolution > Organic

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good introduction to Darwin's works, May 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Darwin Reader (Second Edition) (Paperback)

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 bit hard to read, Ridley does a great job in summarizing beforehand the aspects of each selection in the introductions to the passages. Ridley also points out some of the truths and misinterpretations made by Darwin without bias.

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

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars second edition well worth the read, May 1, 2000

By 

scott biedess (champaign, il) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Darwin Reader (Second Edition) (Paperback)

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 this field. In my opinion, this book is targeted for the college student with the new preface. A top ten in my library!