Customer Reviews

The Survival of Charles Darwin: A Biography of a Man and an Idea

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Those who have read Clark's biography of Einstein, will find his study of Darwin and of his theory of wonderful interest. Clark was truly a master of the biographer's art. A thoroughly researched book that gives insight into Darwin as a kindly country gentleman who spent his life in earnest study of nature - indeed of the processes of survival. The book does not end at Darwin's death but continues on to examine the impact of his work and the development of knowledge about heredity well into the late twentieth century. The only regret the reader may have from this book is knowing that Clark is dead and we will have no more wonderful studies. He did not write many books, but instead gave remarkable attention to the figures he studied. Reading all of his biographies would be a worthwhile journey into the art of research and of writing that gives historical figures of gargantuan proportion a humanity that brings them to life. The Biography of Darwin also gives light to the ridiculousness of creationists who still struggle against the inevitable truth of his clarity of thought, as well as to how scientists could impale themselves against the guarded idols of the fixed paradigms of their own egoes. Would that some playwright would bring Darwin to life in a work of intellectual stature. There are surely enough characters of his time to make it most interesting.

This book is not so much a biography of the man (Darwin) but rather the history of his theory and the impact it has had on thinking up to the present day where it is alive and well. Very readable and understandable. If you have any interest in evolution, you'll love this book.