Synopses & Reviews
In observation of the bicentenary of Erasmus Darwin's death, Cambridge is publishing this collection of personal writings by his grandson Charles. This is the first unabridged publication of a book by Charles Darwin, and it contains a series of illuminating insights into his grandfather's life and work. With quotations from letters and candid comments by Charles Darwin about his books; and free of the conventions of scientific writing; this small volume of personal observations illuminates the life of a distinguished scientist as seen by his accomplished successor.
Review
"This fascinating work should appeal to historians of science." Choice
Review
"King-Hele has become the leading authority on Charles Darwin's grandfather, Erasmus Darwin...King-Hele illuminates both lives simultaneously." Journal of the History of Biology
Synopsis
Originally published in 2003, this is the first unabridged edition of The Life of Erasmus Darwin, edited by Desmond King-Hele.
Synopsis
This little book is not a narrative biography, but rather a series of illuminating insights into Erasmus Darwin's life and work, with quotations from letters and candid comments by Charles Darwin about his books. Charles always writes well, but here he is free of the inhibitions of scientific convention, and you feel you are really meeting him in person. There are witticisms and outspoken comments, such as 'they are too ignorant to be able to see their own ignorance', and his condemnation of slavery as 'this great national crime'.
Table of Contents
Introduction; Synopsis; Charles Darwin's preface; The Life of Erasmus Darwin by Charles Darwin; Charles Darwin's references; Notes on the text.