Simply Darwin: 2 (Great Lives)

Simply Darwin tells the story of Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882) and his theory of evolution through natural selection. On one level the book portrays a dedicated scientist who through careful observation and brilliant insight became convinced that organisms were the end product of a long slow and natural process of development. On another level it is an account of a cataclysmic change in our ideas about ourselves--a conceptual upheaval that continues to generate aftershocks--and heated debates--to this day.In Simply Darwin author Michael Ruse puts Darwin and his ideas in their proper context clearly showing that while the father of evolutionary biology was a true trailblazer he was no rebel. He was simply following an evidentiary trail that led to an inevitable conclusion about the origin of species and natural selection. Eventually as Darwin and his fellow scientists began to apply his ideas to humans long-held notions about the nature and origins of religion morality race sexuality and much more were called into question. Then as now some of us embraced these provocative ideas while others reacted with horror and disbelief.In recounting this fascinating and inspiring story Ruse doesnt neglect the visual component that has always been an inherent part of evolutionary thought. Simply Darwin features copious illustrations which provide an informative and captivating element to this riveting account.