On the Origin of Species (Concise Edition) (Foundations)

Darwin's masterpiece helped shaped the cultural landscape of the world today. Now in a digestible, pocket format for the modern reader.

Initially received with muted applause, Darwin's The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection was soon recognized as the breakthrough scientific advance that explained the evidence of the world around us, the place and history of humans, the connections between environment and evolution. Still regarded by some as radical, Darwin's contribution to world knowledge is immeasurable. This new, popular edition has been edited and abridged for the modern reader, to introduce Darwin's research in a digestible form.

The FLAME TREE Foundations series features core publications which together have shaped the cultural landscape of the modern world, with cutting-edge research distilled into pocket guides designed to be both accessible and informative.

Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England. In 1831 he embarked on a five-year survey voyage around the world on the HMS Beagle; his studies of specimens led him to formulate his theories. In 1859, he published his landmark book, On the Origin of Species. His impact in the world was such that he is often described as one of the most influential figures in human history.

Dr Peter Garratt (introduction) is Associate Professor of English at Durham University. He has written and edited several books on Victorian literature and culture, often focusing on intersections between fiction, philosophy and science, including Victorian Empiricism (2010). His most recent title is Nineteenth-Century British Literature and Philosophy, Vol. II: 1830–72 (forthcoming from Routledge, 2023), co-edited with Giles Whiteley.

Professor Marika Taylor (Series Foreword) is a Professor of Theoretical Physics and Head of School within Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton. Her research interests include all aspects of string theory, gravitational physics and quantum field theory. In recent years much of her work has been focused on holographic dualities and their implications. Marika's research has featured in such publications as Physical Review, Journal of High Energy Physics and General Relativity and Gravitation among others.