A Darwin Day Recommendation

February 12, 2013 By John E. Riutta in Newly Noted Books Tags: Beagle, book, Darwin, norton, origin, voyage, Wilson

As I find myself in the somewhat ironic situation of spending the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin engaged in the writing of a review of one of the most problem-riden and downright aggravating books I’ve yet read about him, I thought I’d take a short break from that bit of drudgery to make a recommendation of one of the best collections I know of some of the most important and frequently referenced books he himself wrote: From So Simple a Beginning.

Comprised of Mr. Darwin’s four most significant books – Voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle (1845), The Origin of Species (1859), The Descent of Man (1871), and The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals (1872) – edited by the great E.O. Wilson, and published by W.W. Norton & Company, From So Simple a Beginning is the place where all those interested in the writings and ideas of Mr. Darwin should begin their reading.

John E. Riutta

Founder and publisher of The Well-read Naturalist. Inveterate autodidact. Has repeatedly been found out standing in many fields. Plays well with otters.

→ John E. Riutta

3 Comments

Arlene Teck
February 12, 2013 @ 14:49

I am reading a wonderful book called, “Naming Nature – The Clash Between Instinct and Science” by Carol Kaesuk Yoon, W.W. Norton & Co., 2009. Excellent discussion of different cultures’ approaches to natural taxonomy, then adding the overlay of Darwinian evolution.

Best since “Beak of the Finch”.
Arlene Teck
February 12, 2013 @ 14:50

Wow! I love seeing my name in your type font! What is it?
WRN
February 12, 2013 @ 16:32

Book Antiqua – thanks for noticing!

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