Charles Darwin

Upon its publication, Darwin's The Origin of the Species excited much debate and controversy, and still evokes powerful and contradictory responses today. This study of the life of Darwin, first published in 1990, combines biography and cultural history to show how Darwin's contemporaries were unable to appreciate precisely those aspects of his thinking that are considered scientifically important today. 14 illustrations. 2 maps.

General editor's preface; Preface; 1. The problem of interpretation; 2. Evolution before The Origin of Species; 3. The young Darwin; 4. The voyage of the Beagle; 5. The crucial years, London 1837-1842; 6. The years of development; 7. Going public; 8. The emergence of Darwinism; 9. The opponents of Darwinism; 10. Human origins; 11. Darwin and the modern world; Notes; Bibliography; Index.