Charles Darwin: And the Evolution Revolution (Oxford Portraits in Science) - Hardcover

Stefoff, Rebecca

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195089960 ISBN 13: 9780195089967

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1996

Synopsis

On the Origin of Species, published in 1858, transformed our view of the world and made Charles Darwin one of the most controversial figures in science. This biography begins much earlier with his long search for a profession, his five-year voyage around the world on the Beagle, and the decades-long intellectual journey he made in his study and garden. But it is for his theory about the origin of man and natural selection that he is remembered. His book threw the scientific community into a heated debate that continues today, and has made evolutionary biology one of the liveliest areas of science. This new biography looks at the person behind the controversy whose earth- shaking discoveries and ideas remain as exciting and interesting as today's headlines.
Oxford Profiles in Science is an on-going series of scientific biographies for young adults. Written by top scholars and writers, each biography examines the personality of its subject as well as the thought process leading to his or her discoveries. These illustrated biographies combine accessible technical information with compelling personal stories to portray the scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

About this title

About the Author

Rebecca Stefoff has written more than 50 books for young adults, specializing in geography and biography. She earned her PhD at the University of Pennsylvania and lives in Portland, Oregon.

Review

"A short but beautifully illustrated biography.... For young adults and students these biographies of well-known scientists...provide an accurate and succinct history of the culture and controversies surrounding the subject."--Skeptic

"Stefoff delineates both the man and his thinking in this efficient biography. The great strength of the book is the way it places the scientist within his historical context, using apt quotations and anecdotes to explore the scientific arguments of the time."--The Horn Book Guide

"Stefoff is an excellent, lucid writer... This delightful little book is quite accessible to readers with little background in biology... Young readers will inevitably learn something about evolution..."--Quarterly Review of Biology

"Budding evolutionary biologists will welcome this thoroughly researched biography, which emphasizes Darwin's tremendous influence in scientific, social, and political spheres."--Booklist

"A lucid, lively, systematic account of [Darwin's] two great journeys--one physical, one intellectual--and the modern course of the controversy he sparked."--Kirkus Reviews

"This portrait of a scientist 'whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world' is not only an excellent biography but also a fine introduction to evolutionary biology.... Well-captioned black-and-white archival photographs, reproductions, and drawings, a chronology, and
two-or-three page sidebars all extend the text. The impressive list for further reading includes titles by Darwin, books on his life and work, and on Darwinism and evolution. A well-written, thoroughly engaging biography."--School Library Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0195089960
• ISBN 13: 9780195089967
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 128