The first new edition aimed at a broad readership since 1968
In The Origin of Species (1859) Darwin challenged many of the most deeply-held beliefs of the Western world. Arguing for a material, not divine, origin of species, he showed that new species are achieved by `natural selection'. Development, diversification, decay, extinction, and absence of plan are all inherent to his theories. Darwin read prodigiously across many fields; he reflected on his experiences as a traveller; he experimented. His profoundly influential concept of `natural selection' condenses materials from past and present, from the Galapagos Islands to rural Staffordshire, from English back gardens to colonial encounters. The Origin communicates the enthusiasm of original thinking in an open, descriptive style, and Darwin's emphasis on the value of diversity speaks more strongly now than ever. As well as a stimulating introduction and notes, this edition offers a register of the many writers referred to by Darwin in the text.
Readership: Students of science, of science and literature, of 19th-century studies, evolution, Western Civilization, history/ philosophy of science, from 6th-form level up.
Edited with an introduction and notes by Gillian Beer, King Edward VII Professor of English, University of Cambridge Reviews 'Oxford University Press ... has chosen to reprint in its World's Classics series the second edition of this great work.' -Nature, Feb 1996 'Gillian Beer's new essay frames the biggest scientific earthquake ever to appear in lucid English prose.' -New Statesman & Society 'An elegant introduction from Gillian Beer ... includes an account of the writers that Darwin refers to in his text.' -New Scientist
First published 1859. This edition 1996.
Reviews
.,."There is an excellent introduction to set the stage and a glossary to help with the terms.... All serious students of biology should read this booK."--The Science Teacher
