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Darwin: Portrait of a Genius

Yukio Mishima

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Charles Darwin is one of the most influential scientists of all time. His theory of evolution by natural selection revolutionized our understanding of the natural world, and his work continues to be studied and debated today.

Darwin: Portrait of a Genius

by Paul Johnson

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	177 pages

In Darwin: Portrait of a Genius, author Janet Browne provides a comprehensive look at Darwin's life, work, and legacy. Browne draws on a wealth of primary sources, including Darwin's own letters, journals, and notebooks, to create a vivid portrait of a complex and fascinating man.

Browne begins by describing Darwin's early life and education. Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England, in 1809. His father was a successful physician, and his mother was the daughter of a wealthy landowner. Darwin was a sickly child, and he spent much of his time reading and collecting specimens. His interest in natural history would eventually lead him to become one of the most important scientists of the 19th century.

In 1825, Darwin enrolled at the University of Edinburgh to study medicine. However, he soon realized that he was not interested in medicine, and he dropped out of school after two years. He then spent several years traveling around the world on the HMS Beagle. During this voyage, Darwin collected a wealth of data on the natural world, and he began to develop his theory of evolution.

Darwin published his theory of evolution in On the Origin of Species in 1859. This book was a bombshell, and it sparked a heated debate that continues to this day. Darwin's theory was controversial because it contradicted the prevailing belief in creationism. However, Darwin was able to provide a wealth of evidence to support his theory, and he eventually won over many of his critics.

Darwin continued to work on his theory of evolution for the rest of his life. He published several other books, including The Descent of Man and The Expression of the Emotions. Darwin also became a vocal advocate for social reform. He believed that the principles of evolution could be applied to human society, and he argued for the abolition of slavery and the improvement of the lives of the poor.

Darwin died in 1882 at the age of 73. He is buried in Westminster Abbey, alongside some of the most famous scientists and writers in history. Darwin's legacy is immense. His theory of evolution is one of the most important scientific discoveries of all time, and it has had a profound impact on our understanding of the natural world.

Darwin: Portrait of a Genius is a fascinating and comprehensive biography of one of the most important scientists of all time. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of science or the life and work of Charles Darwin.

Darwin: Portrait of a Genius

by Paul Johnson

4.1 out of 5