The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin is universally recognized as one of the most important science books ever written. Published in 1859, it was here that Darwin argued for both the fact of evolution and the mechanism of natural section. The Origin of Species is also a work of great cultural and religious significance, in that Darwin maintained that all organisms, including humans, are part of a natural process of growth from simple forms. This Companion commemorates the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of Species and examines its main arguments. Drawing on the expertise of leading authorities in the field, it also provides the contexts – religious, social, political, literary, and philosophical – in which the Origin was composed. Written in a clear and friendly yet authoritative manner, this volume will be essential reading for both scholars and students More broadly, it will appeal to general readers who want to learn more about one of the most important and controversial books of modern times.
Contents
1. The origin of the Origin Michael Ruse; 2. Darwin's analogy between natural and artificial selection Mark Largent; 3. Variation and inheritance Robert Olby; 4. Darwin's theory of natural selection and its moral purpose Robert J. Richards; 5. Originating species: Darwin on the species problem Philip Sloan; 6. Darwin's keystone: the principle of divergence David Kohn; 7. Darwin's difficulties Abigail Lustig; 8. Darwin's geology and his perspective on the fossil record Sandra Herbert and David Norman; 9. Geographical distribution Peter Bowler; 10. Classification Richard Richards; 11. Embryology and morphology Lynn K. Nyhart; 12. Darwin's botany in On the Origin of Species Vassiliki Betty Smocovitis; 13. The rhetoric of the Origin of Species David Depew; 14. 'Laws impressed on matter by the Creator'? The Origin and the question of religion John Hedley Brooke; 15. 'Lineal Descendants': the Origin's literary progeny Gillian Beer; 16. The Origin and political thought: from liberalism to Marxism Naomi Beck; 17. The Origin and philosophy Tim Lewens; 18. The Origin of Species as a book Michèle Kohler and Chris Kohler.
Review
"Will appeal to naturalists, social scientists, and people in the humanities."
J.S. Schwartz, Choice
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