The Autobiography of Charles Darwin: From The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin. The First Real Biography of the Father of Modern Biology. - Tapa blanda

"I may, of course, be egregiously wrong; but I cannot persuade myself that a theory which explains several large classes of facts can be wholly wrong." - Charles Darwin, November 13, 1859

Originally published in 1892, this autobiography of the great naturalist and father of modern biology, compiled and edited by his son Francis, is a an intriguing behind-the-scenes look into the personal life of a great scientist and the development of one of the most powerful ideas of the modern era. Although a short book, it is filled with absorbing and interesting glimpses into the mind and personal experiences of the man whose discoveries have had such a profound influence on science, philosophy, and the modern scientific perspective. In the first half of the book Darwin reminisces about his early life, his family and upbringing, and his five-year voyage on the HMS Beagle, during which he made the many observations that were later to prove so critical to his formulation of evolutionary theory. The second half is devoted mainly to the Origin of Species: its foundations, development, the writing and publication process, its varied critical reception, and the gradual acceptance and growth of evolutionary theory. Also included are thoughts on his lesser-known work in geology and the fertilization of flowers, plus a selection of his letters.

Contents

CAMBRIDGE 1828-1831. "VOYAGE OF THE 'BEAGLE' FROM DECEMBER 27, 1831, TO OCTOBER 2, 1836." FROM MY RETURN TO ENGLAND (OCTOBER 2, 1836) TO MY MARRIAGE (JANUARY 29, FROM MY MARRIAGE, JANUARY 29, 1839, AND RESIDENCE IN UPPER GOWER STREET, RESIDENCE AT DOWN FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 1842, TO THE PRESENT TIME, 1876. MY SEVERAL PUBLICATIONS. WRITTEN MAY 1ST, 1881.