Synopses & Reviews
A riveting” (The Wall Street Journal) biography of one of the most influential and controversial scientists in Western history Acclaimed historian and biographer Paul Johnson turns his keen eye on Charles Darwin, the towering figure whose work continues to spur scientific debate.
With his publication of On the Origin of Species, Darwin forever changed our concept of the world. While Johnson praises Darwins extraordinary skills as a natural scientist and his monumental achievements, he does not sidestep Darwins tragic failures as an anthropologist. Johnson argues that by applying his theory of natural selection to humans, Darwin provided a platform for the burgeoning eugenics movement. Lay readers and academics alike will enjoy this concise and unflinching exploration of Charles Darwin, a genius whose discoverieseven the flawed onesadd significant dimension to our understanding of his mind, the era in which he lived, and his everlasting impact on our world.
Review
Praise for Darwin: “Riveting . . . The 'genius of Paul Johnsons biography of Charles Darwin is manifestly, impressively apparent [in his discussion of] On the Origin of Species.”
—Wall Street Journal
“Excellent and courageous.”
—Michael Flannery, author of Alfred Russel Wallace
“This little sketch reminds us why Darwins theory of natural selection endures and continues to provoke controversy.”
—Publishers Weekly
“This is a first-rate biography, one that brings Darwin and his ideas into brilliant focus.”
—History Book Club
"Characteristically pithy and incisive, the ever-popular Johnson offers a Darwin who will be much in demand."
—Booklist
Synopsis
A riveting” (The Wall Street Journal) biography of one of the most influential and controversial scientists in Western history Acclaimed historian and biographer Paul Johnson turns his keen eye on Charles Darwin, the towering figure whose work continues to spur scientific debate.
With his publication of On the Origin of Species, Darwin forever changed our concept of the world. While Johnson praises Darwins extraordinary skills as a natural scientist and his monumental achievements, he does not sidestep Darwins tragic failures as an anthropologist. Johnson argues that by applying his theory of natural selection to humans, Darwin provided a platform for the burgeoning eugenics movement. Lay readers and academics alike will enjoy this concise and unflinching exploration of Charles Darwin, a genius whose discoverieseven the flawed onesadd significant dimension to our understanding of his mind, the era in which he lived, and his everlasting impact on our world.
About the Author
Paul Johnson's many books, including A History of Christianity, A History of the Jews, Modern Times, Churchill, and Napoleon: A Penguin Life, have been hailed as masterpieces of historical analysis. He is a regular columnist for Forbes and The Spectator, and his work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and many others publications. He lives in London.