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

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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.

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Easily the most influential book published in the nineteenth century, Darwin?s The Origin of Species is also that most unusual phenomenon, an altogether readable discussion of a scientific subject. On its appearance in 1859 it was immediately recognized by enthusiasts and detractors alike as a work of the greatest importance: the revolutionary theory of evolution by means of natural selection that it presented provoked a furious reaction that continues to this day.

The Origin of Species is here published together with Darwin?s earlier Voyage of the ?Beagle?. This 1839 account of the journeys to South America and the Pacific islands that first put Darwin on the track of his remarkable theories derives an added charm from his vivid description of his travels in exotic places and his eye for the piquant detail. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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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: 7.7 x 5 x 1.7 inches Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #343,255 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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6 Reviews 5 star:  (6) 4 star:    (0) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 5.0 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 12 of 12 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Intellectual Tour de Force and Classic Travel Book in One Volume, November 26, 2007 By  J. Blilie "Naturalist-Skeptic" (Twin Cities, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    This review is from: The Origin of Species and the Voyage of the Beagle (Hardcover) Having read on Evolution by Natural Selection (EBNS) in many books and articles previously, including Richard Dawkins' excellent works "The Selfish Gene" and "The Extended Phenotype," both highly recommended, I wanted to read Charles Darwin's own account of EBNS. Here it is: the First Edition with the later Historical Note and Glossary added. I had already read and enjoyed "The Voyage of the Beagle," and I consider it a classic of travel writing (broadly defined.) You may be wary of the classic "The Origin of Species" as stylistically remote or overly technical. It is neither. This book (anachronisms aside) could have been written yesterday. The style (as I find amongst a fair number of 19th century writers) eschews the flowery prose we associate with the Victorian Era; and is rather: clear, concise, nicely flowing, quite modern, and eminently readable. Any technical writer could learn from Darwin's writing. Though some technical details are included, it is written such that an informed layman will have no trouble in following it. "The Origin of Species" is a logical and persuasive tour de force. I can see easily why it caused the commotion it did at the time: it's a blockbuster argument that destroyed the standing order at a stroke. As noted, I consider "The Voyage of the Beagle" to be a classic of travel writing. No navel-gazing; but well-written stories of what he experienced in an important voyage around the world. The two books are complimentary in that the Origin completes the work begun as a young man in the Voyage. An excellent idea to place them in one volume. In addition, you get a very fine introductory essay by Richard Dawkins, which nicely sets the historical and scientific scene for the books, especially "The Origin of Species." And you get the other features of an Everyman's Library edition, which I find immensely helpful: the author's chronology including their life events, publications, and the literary and historical context of their life and work; a selected bibliography. The book itself is beautifully designed and constructed and a joy to hold, read, and refer to. I often buy Everyman's library editions for these very reasons. My only possible reservation for this edition is that the EML editions have a somewhat smaller than standard font, which may be an issue for some readers. However, the typeface is very clear and the nearly perfect alignment of pages helps prevent visual bleed-through and the book is really quite easy on the eyes. Highly recommended, enjoy. 7 of 7 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent version, April 27, 2007 By  Steven A. Peterson (Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL)) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)       This review is from: The Origin of Species and the Voyage of the Beagle (Hardcover) This is an excellent volume. Two of Charles Darwin's major works are included: "The Voyage of the Beagle" and "The Origin of Species." There is a well written and sprightly introduction by evolutionary theorist Richard Dawkins. One additional good feature is a Chronology, beginning on page xxxiv. Dawkins sets the stage with his 20+ page introduction. He speaks eloquently of the importance of Darwin's work, and the profound nature of his theoretical perspective on evolution. He places Darwin's work in an historical context, in which we see other theorists before Darwin working on how to explain change in animal species. He concludes with the strong statement that (Page xxix): "[Darwin] also gave us by far the most plausible theory for how evolution has taken place, the theory of natural selection." Darwin's "The Voyage of the Beagle" provides a view of his trip, as the resident naturalist, on the ship Beagle, during which time (left England in 1831 and returned in 1836) he made myriad observations that helped him work through his theory of evolution. As he notes elsewhere (page 537), the facts that he observed on this voyage "seemed to me to throw new light on the origin of species. . . ." Upon reflection, he felt that this voyage had been a wonderful developmental experience in his life. He observes (Page 516): "In conclusion, it appears to me that nothing can be more improving to a young naturalist, than a journey in distant countries. It both sharpens, and partly allays that want and craving, which. . .a man experiences although every corporeal sense be fully satisfied." There follows his chef d'ouevre, "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection." The chapter headings are key for understanding the logic of evolution, with natural selection as a key force in explaining change in species, among which chapters are "Variation under Nature," "Struggle for Existence," "Natural Selection," "On the Imperfection of the Fossil Record," and "On the Geological Succession of Organic Beings." A brief quotation at the end of this book encapsulates the basic logic (Page 913): "These laws [of nature]. . .being Growth with Reproduction: Inheritance which is almost implied by reproduction; Variability from the direct and indirect action of the external conditions of life, and from use and disuse; a Ratio of Increase so high as to lead to a Struggle for Life, and as a consequence to Natural Selection, entailing Divergence of Character and the Extinction of less-improved forms." Such a straightforward logic: inheritance of characteristics from generation to generation; variability in characteristics within a species; more individuals born than the carrying capacity of the land can provide for; selection of those individuals' whose characteristic best facilitate survival and subsequent reproduction. Darwin surely had errors and problems in this work. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most important scientific contributions of the last millennium. His theory has stood up well over time; one major problem, the explanation for the transmission of characteristics from generation to generation, was solved independently by the developing understanding of genetics. When natural selection and genetics were wed in the "synthetic theory of evolution," associated with thinkers like Mayr and others, Darwin's theory reached its culmination. 1 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for any science lover, November 5, 2006 By  Nicholas J. Giacalone "Nicholas Giacalone" (Cincinnati, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    This review is from: The Origin of Species and the Voyage of the Beagle (Hardcover) This collection is truly wonderful, and a must read for any up and coming evolutionist, or even if you are just looking to learn a bit more about evolutionary theory. The Origin or Species doesn't read like a text, rather it's an intellectual piece that casually discusses his theory. I found the Voyage of the Beagle to be rather interesting as well. I've read several books detailing nautical adventures, and this by far is the absolute best!		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Read For Darwinites Excellent choice of bringing both 'Origin of Species' and 'Voyage of the Beagle' together in one volume. Read more Published 2 months ago by Martha B. Cabrera 5.0 out of 5 stars Masterpiece This is a true masterpiece of science and literature. Before one dies one has to read, Tolstoy's War and Peace, Proust's The Rememberance of Things Past, Marx's... Read more Published 9 months ago by RonMox 5.0 out of 5 stars Open your mind..!!!! This book is something everyone should read....Its next to the bible and is something most people talk about but fail to fully understand the work..OPEN YOUR MIND... Read more Published on April 11, 2005 by An Esoteric Voice Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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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: 7.7 x 5 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #343,255 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intellectual Tour de Force and Classic Travel Book in One Volume, November 26, 2007

By	J. Blilie "Naturalist-Skeptic" (Twin Cities, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Origin of Species and the Voyage of the Beagle (Hardcover)

Having read on Evolution by Natural Selection (EBNS) in many books and articles previously, including Richard Dawkins' excellent works "The Selfish Gene" and "The Extended Phenotype," both highly recommended, I wanted to read Charles Darwin's own account of EBNS. Here it is: the First Edition with the later Historical Note and Glossary added. I had already read and enjoyed "The Voyage of the Beagle," and I consider it a classic of travel writing (broadly defined.)

You may be wary of the classic "The Origin of Species" as stylistically remote or overly technical. It is neither. This book (anachronisms aside) could have been written yesterday. The style (as I find amongst a fair number of 19th century writers) eschews the flowery prose we associate with the Victorian Era; and is rather: clear, concise, nicely flowing, quite modern, and eminently readable. Any technical writer could learn from Darwin's writing. Though some technical details are included, it is written such that an informed layman will have no trouble in following it. "The Origin of Species" is a logical and persuasive tour de force. I can see easily why it caused the commotion it did at the time: it's a blockbuster argument that destroyed the standing order at a stroke.

As noted, I consider "The Voyage of the Beagle" to be a classic of travel writing. No navel-gazing; but well-written stories of what he experienced in an important voyage around the world. The two books are complimentary in that the Origin completes the work begun as a young man in the Voyage. An excellent idea to place them in one volume.

In addition, you get a very fine introductory essay by Richard Dawkins, which nicely sets the historical and scientific scene for the books, especially "The Origin of Species." And you get the other features of an Everyman's Library edition, which I find immensely helpful: the author's chronology including their life events, publications, and the literary and historical context of their life and work; a selected bibliography. The book itself is beautifully designed and constructed and a joy to hold, read, and refer to. I often buy Everyman's library editions for these very reasons. My only possible reservation for this edition is that the EML editions have a somewhat smaller than standard font, which may be an issue for some readers. However, the typeface is very clear and the nearly perfect alignment of pages helps prevent visual bleed-through and the book is really quite easy on the eyes.

Highly recommended, enjoy.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent version, April 27, 2007

By	Steven A. Peterson (Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL)) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Origin of Species and the Voyage of the Beagle (Hardcover)

This is an excellent volume. Two of Charles Darwin's major works are included: "The Voyage of the Beagle" and "The Origin of Species." There is a well written and sprightly introduction by evolutionary theorist Richard Dawkins. One additional good feature is a Chronology, beginning on page xxxiv.

Dawkins sets the stage with his 20+ page introduction. He speaks eloquently of the importance of Darwin's work, and the profound nature of his theoretical perspective on evolution. He places Darwin's work in an historical context, in which we see other theorists before Darwin working on how to explain change in animal species. He concludes with the strong statement that (Page xxix): "[Darwin] also gave us by far the most plausible theory for how evolution has taken place, the theory of natural selection."

Darwin's "The Voyage of the Beagle" provides a view of his trip, as the resident naturalist, on the ship Beagle, during which time (left England in 1831 and returned in 1836) he made myriad observations that helped him work through his theory of evolution. As he notes elsewhere (page 537), the facts that he observed on this voyage "seemed to me to throw new light on the origin of species. . . ." Upon reflection, he felt that this voyage had been a wonderful developmental experience in his life. He observes (Page 516): "In conclusion, it appears to me that nothing can be more improving to a young naturalist, than a journey in distant countries. It both sharpens, and partly allays that want and craving, which. . .a man experiences although every corporeal sense be fully satisfied."

There follows his chef d'ouevre, "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection." The chapter headings are key for understanding the logic of evolution, with natural selection as a key force in explaining change in species, among which chapters are "Variation under Nature," "Struggle for Existence," "Natural Selection," "On the Imperfection of the Fossil Record," and "On the Geological Succession of Organic Beings." A brief quotation at the end of this book encapsulates the basic logic (Page 913):

"These laws [of nature]. . .being Growth with Reproduction: Inheritance which is almost implied by reproduction; Variability from the direct and indirect action of the external conditions of life, and from use and disuse; a Ratio of Increase so high as to lead to a Struggle for Life, and as a consequence to Natural Selection, entailing Divergence of Character and the Extinction of less-improved forms."

Such a straightforward logic: inheritance of characteristics from generation to generation; variability in characteristics within a species; more individuals born than the carrying capacity of the land can provide for; selection of those individuals' whose characteristic best facilitate survival and subsequent reproduction. Darwin surely had errors and problems in this work. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most important scientific contributions of the last millennium.

His theory has stood up well over time; one major problem, the explanation for the transmission of characteristics from generation to generation, was solved independently by the developing understanding of genetics. When natural selection and genetics were wed in the "synthetic theory of evolution," associated with thinkers like Mayr and others, Darwin's theory reached its culmination.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for any science lover, November 5, 2006

By	Nicholas J. Giacalone "Nicholas Giacalone" (Cincinnati, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Origin of Species and the Voyage of the Beagle (Hardcover)

This collection is truly wonderful, and a must read for any up and coming evolutionist, or even if you are just looking to learn a bit more about evolutionary theory. The Origin or Species doesn't read like a text, rather it's an intellectual piece that casually discusses his theory. I found the Voyage of the Beagle to be rather interesting as well. I've read several books detailing nautical adventures, and this by far is the absolute best!