Darwin: Portrait of a Genius - Softcover

Johnson, Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0147509777 ISBN 13: 9780147509772

Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group, 2013

Synopsis

A “riveting” (The Wall Street Journal) biography of one of the most influential and controversial scientists in Western history

Acclaimed historian and biographer Paul Johnson turns his keen eye on Charles Darwin, the towering figure whose work continues to spur scientific debate.

With his publication of On the Origin of Species, Darwin forever changed our concept of the world. While Johnson praises Darwin’s extraordinary skills as a natural scientist and his monumental achievements, he does not sidestep Darwin’s tragic failures as an anthropologist. Johnson argues that by applying his theory of natural selection to humans, Darwin provided a platform for the burgeoning eugenics movement. Lay readers and academics alike will enjoy this concise and unflinching exploration of Charles Darwin, a genius whose discoveries—even the flawed ones—add significant dimension to our understanding of his mind, the era in which he lived, and his everlasting impact on our world.

About this title

About the Author

Paul Johnson is the author of many bestselling books, including Socrates: A Man for Our Times; Jesus: A Biography from a Believer; and Churchill. He lives in London.

Edition details

• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0147509777
• ISBN 13: 9780147509772
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 177