Charles Darwin: The Concise Story of an Extraordinary Man

About the Book

Two hundred years after Charles Darwin's birth (February 12, 1809), this thoroughly illustrated, yet concise biography reveals the great scientist as husband, father, and friend. Tim M. Berra, whose "Darwin: The Man" lectures are in high demand worldwide, tells the fascinating story of the person and the idea that changed everything. Berra discusses Darwin's revolutionary scientific work, its impact on modern-day biological science, and the influence of Darwin's evolutionary theory on Western thought. But Berra digs deeper to reveal Darwin the man by combining anecdotes with carefully selected illustrations and photographs. This small gem of a book includes 20 color plates and 60 black-and-white illustrations, along with an annotated list of Darwin's publications and a chronology of his life.

Table of Contents:

Preface
Introduction
1. An Admirable Pedigree
2. A Privileged Youth
3. Exploration
4. Discovery
5. Maturity
6. A Proposal
7. Life at Down House
8. Correspondence
9. Daily Routine
10. Taxonomy and Selection
11. Alfred Russel Wallace and The Origin
12. What Darwin Said
13. Darwin's Bulldog
14. A Man of Enlarged Curiosity
15. Darwin's Death
16. Epilogue
Appendixes
A. Books
B. Chronology
C. Darwin Online
D. Dates
References
Index

About the Author :
Tim M. Berra is professor emeritus of evolution, ecology, and organismal biology at the Ohio State University and a three-time Fulbright grant recipient. He is the author of several books, including Evolution and the Myth of Creationism.

Review :
The ensemble of text and illustrations will render an indelible image of Darwin for those beginning to study him, and evolution, while a brief bibliography points the way to further exploration. Booklist This succinct biography spans Darwin's life in 15 brief chapters and reads like a museum guide, hitting the high points in an easily assimilated style. The copious illustrations, though, including reproductions of period paintings, title page facsimiles, and many of the author's own photographs, are worth poring over and may hold readers' attention longer than it takes to peruse the text. Patrons who want a quick, no-frills but still authoritative read on Darwin's life couldn't find a better source. Library Journal A splendid overview derived from a series of lectures, and beautifully illustrated, with a detailed publishing history of all of Darwin's works. -- Nicholas Basbanes finebooksmagazine.com Charles Darwin: The Concise Story of an Extraordinary Man is the best brief biography on the market. Northern Territory News Berra moves quickly through the life, yet finds time to include telling details, as well as sketches of appealing secondary characters. -- David Lumsden Australian Book Review Berra, a retired professor of evolution who gives popular lectures on Darwin, writes leanly and to the point, but still produces a vivid and detailed portrait. -- Scott LaFee San Diego Union-Tribune This work will be useful for introductory students and the general public... Recommended. All undergraduate and public libraries. Choice This jewel box of a book offers an imminently readable tour of the great man. Every spread includes illustrations with fascinating captions. -- Jeffrey Cyphers Wright Brooklyn Rail Berra has done masterful work, providing a lively and succinct account of Darwin's life that will provide an excellent introduction for the new reader who is interested in Darwin as well as a helpful review for knowledgeable Darwin enthusiasts! -- Charles F. Urbanowicz Reports of the National Center for Science Education There can be no doubt that this book will be very warmly received by Darwin enthusiasts because it is a passionate, well-informed, entertaining and colourful introduction to his life and achievements. -- Marta Cunat Romero European Review of History