The Origin of Species (Variorum Reprint) (Paperback)

~ Charles Darwin (Author), Morse Peckham (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The theories propounded by Charles Darwin in The Origin of Species have had a profound and revolutionary effect, not only on biology but on philosophy, history, and theology as well. His concept of natural selection has created eruptive disputes among the scientists and religious leaders of his time and ours. The phenomenal importance of his brilliant studies is universally recognized, but for the first time in this volume has a scholar attempted the gargantuan task of compiling a complete variorum edition covering all of the extensive variants in the six texts published between 1859 and 1872, the collation of which has made possible an accurate application and discussion of The Origin of Species.

Darwin's changes were extensive. His book grew by a third as he rewrote many passages four or five times, and in this edition Morse Peckham has recorded every one of those changes. A book of such distinctive dimensions, on a subject of such profound importance, will be of intense interest to historians of biology, evolution, science, literature, and cultural development. It will be an invaluable aid to the clarification and full comprehension of this complex and renowned scientific classic.

From the Publisher

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was the British naturalist who originated the theories of natural selection and evolution. Morse Peckham, Director of the University of Pennsylvania Press from 1953 to 1955, was Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of South Carolina and author of many books, including Beyond the Tragic Vision and Explanation and Power: An Inquiry into the Control of Human Behavior.

Product Details

• Paperback: 820 pages
• Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812219546
• ISBN-13: 978-0812219548
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,226,097 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Need to know for cultural literacy, November 19, 2007

By	bernie "xyzzy" (Arlington, Texas) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

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.

The Voyage of the Beagle: Charles Darwin's Journal of Researches (Penguin Classics)