From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up?This portrait of a scientist "whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world" is not only an excellent biography but also a fine introduction to evolutionary biology. Information on Darwin's childhood and education shows how his early passion for natural history provided background for the meticulous observations he made during his 5-year-long voyage on the HMS Beagle, the formulation of his theory of evolution, and the 20 years of additional research that he undertook before publishing On the Origin of Species in 1859. Stefoff gives the main points of Darwin's theory of "descent with modification" and effectively quotes the scientist's writings to communicate how his theory was influenced by the work of others and his desire to amass supportive data in anticipation of every possible objection. The author deals with the opposition that Darwin encountered on religious grounds and from fellow scientists in a particularly insightful fashion. She considers the path to general acceptance of the man's theory as part of science and common thought and addresses the on-going controversy surrounding Darwinism today. Well-captioned black-and-white archival photographs, reproductions, and drawings; a chronology, and two-or-three-page sidebars all extend the text. The impressive list for further reading includes titles by Darwin, books on his life and work, and on Darwinism and evolution. A well-written, thoroughly engaging biography.?Carolyn Angus, The Claremont Graduate School, CA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 9^-12. Budding evolutionary biologists will welcome this thoroughly researched biography, which emphasizes Darwin's tremendous influence in scientific, social, and political spheres. Sidebars offer concise, helpful summaries of important concepts, such as extinction and Mendelian genetics. An exception is the sidebar, "What Is a Species?" which does not reflect the complexity of the current definition of the term and demands more references than are given. Extensive photos of Darwin and his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as reproductions of public notices and cartoons, are handsome additions to the nicely laid-out text. There are no footnotes, but the solid bibliography cites many academic works and some children's biographies. The book will have limited appeal, though it offers generally thorough, clear explanations of Darwin's scientific theories and sheds light on his personality.
Debbie Carton
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