I wasn't quite sure how to react when I got the following email asking me to review John Van Whye's book The Darwin Experience: The Story of the Man and His Theory of Evolution (National Geographic Society, 2009). The publisher's representative wrote:
"I'd like to share a fascinating new science and history book that National Geographic published today, THE DARWIN EXPERIENCE: The Story of the Man and His Theory of Evolution... Celebrating both the bicentennial of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the electrifying publication of "On the Origin of Species", the book is a lavish, slipcased anniversary volume featuring dozens of removable facsimile documents that re-creates the extraordinary impact of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution in a unique and vivid package.
"Combining science, travel, culture and history, the book is an elegant volume that offers hundreds of photographs and a trove of removable documents that bring the subject alive. These fascinating memorabilia include letters, maps, sketches, newspaper articles and more, providing telling glimpses of Darwin's life as never before, from his early expedition aboard the Beagle to his meticulous research in the Galapagos Islands. The book is a distinctive art book, collectible archive, and a collection of intellectually rich documents that engages the eye and mind and will find appeal among history and science lovers, explorers and travelers of every age (especially with the upcoming holiday season)."
At first I wondered what the book had to do with hunting. Then I wondered if reviewing a book that deals with Charles Darwin's theory of evolution would be controversial. In the end, however, I decided I couldn't pass on the chance to get a free book (consider that my disclosure) and that I'd probably learn something in the process.
That was a couple of weeks ago, and I finally had a chance to start reading the book late last week. As you might imagine, it goes into detail about Darwin's scientific research and discoveries. Science isn't really my thing, so it's slow going, but I will say that the pictures, inserts and maps are everything the press release above says they are.
The book also relates stories about Darwin's life and personality, and I find those parts to be more interesting. I especially enjoyed an excerpt from the controversial scientist's biography in which he describes how he conducted "target practice" with his muzzle-loading rifle; in his college dorm room! Information on Darwin's religious background and beliefs--like how he was known for quoting the Bible at length on board his research ship the H.M.S. Beagle--is also intriguing.
Like I told the publisher's representative, it will probably take me a few weeks to get through this whole book; I'll write a full review when I do. In the meantime, I'll agree with the rep. that this book would make a great gift for anyone interested in history or science...
How interesting! Sounds great. Controversial? But it's a history book, not a vote for evolution.
Target practice in dorm room? not so funny these days, I guess, although I have heard of people practicing knife throwing in their rooms. And of course Sherlock "Holmes, as he sat in a chair in his room firing a gun into the opposite wall, forming the letters “VR” (initials of the then queen, Victoria Regina) in bullet holes" was a bit more lax when it came to gun safety.
Posted by: jec | November 10, 2009 at 10:59 AM