Darwin: In a Nutshell

Whitfield, Peter

ISBN 10: 9626349441 ISBN 13: 9789626349441

Publisher: Naxos Audio Books, 2009

Synopsis

Naxos AudioBooks launches a new 1 CD introductory series "In a Nutshell" with "Darwin", marking the 200th anniversary of the English naturalist. Peter Whitfield explains how Darwin came to his revolutionary views following his voyage on the Beagle - and his initial reluctance to publish his findings. The "In a Nutshell" series will see a regular release pattern in the coming months on a broad range of subjects covering history, science, religion and philosophy, and offering concise pertinent introductions.

About this title

From AudioFile

Peter Whitfield's IN A NUTSHELL: DARWIN is exactly what it claims to be. In a little over an hour, Whitfield presents a biography of Charles Darwin and an overview of his life's work. The "nutshell" part of the title may suggest that the production rushes through the facts, but that's not the case. Whitfield has a pleasant voice, and the prose is smooth and interesting. The audio is a leisurely experience that can be likened to taking a walk while discussing Darwin and his theory of evolution. This is an hour well spent; listeners will learn much, after which they can decide whether or not to delve into the subject in more detail. S.D.D. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Review

'A useful instant bicentenary guide, which gives you exactly what it says on the tin: family history, biography, succinct synopsis of what natural selection really means and what effect it had on the Victorian establishment.' - Sue Arnold, The Guardian; Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award 2009: 'Peter Whitfield's Darwin - In a Nutshell is exactly what it claims to be. In a little over an hour, Whitfield presents a biography of Charles Darwin and an overview of his life's work. The "nutshell" part of the title may suggest that the production rushes through the facts, but that's not the case. Whitfield has a pleasant voice, and the prose is smooth and interesting. The audio is a leisurely experience that can be likened to taking a walk while discussing Darwin and his theory of evolution. This is an hour well spent; listeners will learn much, after which they can decide whether or not to delve into the subject in more detail.' - S.D.D., AudioFile 'Author, poet, and historian Whitfield (Landmarks in Western Science) celebrates the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth with this marvelous "nutshell" summary of the English naturalist's life and his important contributions to science, reminding listeners of Darwin's continued impact. The author himself narrates, his distinctly British reading conveying Darwin's own British culture and his well-paced delivery helping to sustain interest. This title, one of many future "nutshell" works from this publisher to cover various other fields of study in a similarly cogent, succinct manner, serves as a useful introduction to Darwin's life and work and nicely bookends the more comprehensive approach to audio learning offered by The Teaching Company and Recorded Books' "Modern Scholar" series. Highly recommended.' - Dale Farris, Library Journal 'In a nutshell, this "nutshell" audio production is great. Everyone can benefit from a Cliff Notes style review of what they studied in school. Whitfield provides a clear, straight-forward account of Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution. He concentrates on Darwin as a personality. Raised in an academic, upper-class, family, Darwin had many advantages as a young man and he didn't squander them. Sober and reflective, he was also sensitive to the effect his ideas would have on the conventionally faithful, including his wife. Uninterested in being a firebrand, after his famous Galapagos Island trip, he happily returned to a quiet life at his country home where he refined his thoughts and theories. Still, they did rock the world and continue to be a source of controversy. They are also largely immutable. Whitfield narrates with warmth and precision.' - Nancy Chaplin, SoundCommentary.com

About this edition

• Publisher: Naxos Audio Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 9626349441
• ISBN 13: 9789626349441
• Binding: Audio CD
• Number of pages: 1