The Reluctant Mr. Darwin

In September 1838, Charles Darwin, a young Englishman, discovered the concept of "natural selection," paving the way for groundbreaking ideas on species adaptation and diversity. The journey from this revelation to the publication of his seminal work, On the Origin of Species, spanned twenty-one years, marked by drama and scientific debate. In this engaging narrative, David Quammen draws from Darwin's personal notebooks and letters to create a vivid portrait of the cautious naturalist whose ideas continue to spark controversy today.