Book Review: The Origin of Species
Darwin’s flagship work is a brilliant snapshot of a world when the notions of natural selection, common ancestry, and evolution were all merely just glimmers in Darwin, Wallace, and a few other relatively unknown biologists’ eyes. The book, having never been out of print in 149 years (as of 2008), shows a younger Darwin tenaciously considering over a rather revolutionary idea, ruminating over both its scientific implications, but with a definite sense that he is remorsefully aware of the controversial nature of what is being proposed.
While the writing style is a bit archaic, reminiscent of Herman Melville or Nathaniel Hawthorne, the content itself is not overly technical and is suitable for any high school or college-level reading. The book itself is worth reading for the experience: to see what exactly it was that Darwin saw in his voyage of the S.S. Beagle.
Rating: 4 of 5