The Origin of Species: And The Voyage of the Beagle (Vintage Classics) [Paperback]

Charles Darwin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Vintage Classics | Publication Date: February 2, 2009

When the eminent naturalist Charles Darwin returned from South America on board the HMS Beagle in 1836, he brought with him the notes and evidence which would form the basis of his landmark theory of evolution of species by a process of natural selection. This theory, published as The Origin of Species in 1859, sparked a fierce scientific, religious, and philosophical debate which continues heatedly today. This seminal work is presented with The Voyage of the Beagle, a vivid travel memoir as well as a detailed scientific field journal. Ordered by place, covering area from Northern Chile to Australia to Cape Verde Islands, this text contains hints of the theories that were later developed in The Origin of Species.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Charles Darwin (1809–1882) was an English naturalist, eminent as a collector and geologist, whose theory of evolution remains the foundation of biology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 992 pages
• Publisher: Random House UK; Reprint edition (February 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0099519178
• ISBN-13: 978-0099519171
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 1.5 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #443,911 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars must read !, March 26, 2011

By 

Johannes Gessler (Fort Collins, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Origin of Species: And The Voyage of the Beagle (Vintage Classics) (Paperback)

Of course this is a must read for everyone who is the slightest bit interested in creation/evolution! Darvin is an exceptionally good observer as many passages in his 'Voyage' illustrate. His broad interests are amazing and go far beyond just the topic of 'The Origin of Species'. Yet be forwarned: this is LONG. But especially the 'Voyage' can be read in small increments. Read the 'Voyage' first. It's important to have this background when you start reading 'The Origin'.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of Darwin, May 3, 2005

By 

bernie "xyzzy" (Arlington, Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Origin of Species: And The Voyage of the Beagle (Vintage Classics) (Paperback)

Origin of Species

This is a quick review of the book not a dissertation on Darwin or any other subject loosely related. At first I did not know what to expect. I already read " The Voyage of the Beagle: Charles Darwin's Journal of Researches". I figured the book would be similar. However I found "Origin" to be more complex and detailed.

Taking in account that recent pieces of knowledge were not available to Charles Darwin this book could have been written last week. Having to look from the outside without the knowledge of DNA or Plate Tectonics, he pretty much nailed how the environment and crossbreeding would have an effect on natural selection. Speaking of natural selection, I thought his was going to be some great insight to a new concept. All it means is that species are not being mucked around by man (artificial selection).

If you picked up Time magazine today you would find all the things that Charles said would be near impossible to find or do. Yet he predicted that it is doable in theory. With an imperfect geological record many things he was not able to find at the writing of this book have been found (according to the possibilities described in the book.)
The only draw back to the book was his constant apologizing. If he had more time and space he could prove this and that. Or it looks like this but who can say at this time. Or the same evidence can be interpreted 180 degrees different.

In the end it is worth reading and you will never look at life the same way again.

------------------------------------------------------
Voyage of the Beagle

Remember this says "Journal" and that is what it is. It is his first parson adventures on and off the Beagle. He even includes stories about the people on the ship, the ship's life, and maintenance. He is always going ashore and venturing beyond the ship charter to go where no Englishman has gone before. He makes friends with tyrants and the down trodden. Once, to get an animal to come to him, he lay on his back and waved his arms and legs in the air. Whatever you do, do not turn your back on him. He is always knocking something on the head and taking it back for study. It is fun trying to match the old names for places with the new.