The Darwin Reader

"Here is Darwin in his own words, at once accessible and profound, ranging widely over many problems that fascinated him and through which he made discoveries that changed the world." ―From the First Edition

For this new edition of selected key passages from Darwin's nine most important books, Mark Ridley has added several elements. A new preface focuses on how Darwin's revolutionary writings can be best understood by modern readers, especially college students. The introduction and notes for each selection have also been revised, based on the latest Darwin scholarship. Finally, the bibliography has been updated, substantially expanded, and annotated to provide students with helpful hints on where to look for more information on Darwin as well as on modern interpretations of evolution.

Naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-1882) is the father of evolution. His groundbreaking The Origin of Species argued that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors, and proposed the scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection. As much as anyone in the modern era, Darwin has changed the course of human thought.

Mark Ridley works in the Department of Zoology, Oxford University. He previously held posts at Emory University in Atlanta and at Cambridge University in England. His books include the standard college text Evolution and Mendel’s Demon. He has also edited anthologies on Evolution and A Darwin Selection.