On December 27, 1831, the young naturalist Charles Darwin left Plymouth Harbor aboard the HMS Beagle. For the next five years, he conducted research on plants and animals from around the globe, amassing a body of evidence that would culminate in one of the greatest discoveries in the history of mankind—the theory of evolution. Darwin presented his stunning insights in a landmark book that forever altered the way human beings view themselves and the world they live in. In The Origin of Species, Darwin convincingly demonstrates the fact of evolution: that existing animals and plants cannot have appeared separately but must have slowly transformed from ancestral creatures. Most important, the book fully explains the mechanism that effects such a transformation: natural selection, the idea that made evolution scientifically intelligible for the first time. One of the few revolutionary works of science that is readily accessible to the nonscientist, The Origin of Species not only launched the science of modern biology but has also influenced virtually all subsequent literary, philosophical, and religious thinking.
Download and start listening now!
"If you are at all interested in the never-ending debate on evolution, you really must read this seminal work. It's actually very accessible to any intelligent reader, not just scientists. It's amazing how much time and effort Darwin put into the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection. Natural selection happens, there's just no doubt about it. It does not explain the original appearance of life; selection happens after the genesis of life. It's clear that many critics of evolution simply have never taken the time to read Darwin's original work, or they wouldn't make some of the silly arguments they do, consequently their stronger arguments are diminished in credibility as a result. This is one of the most important and influential works ever published, so really should be read. And, it's an enjoyable read, too." — Kelly (4 out of 5 stars)
"If you are at all interested in the never-ending debate on evolution, you really must read this seminal work. It's actually very accessible to any intelligent reader, not just scientists. It's amazing how much time and effort Darwin put into the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection. Natural selection happens, there's just no doubt about it. It does not explain the original appearance of life; selection happens after the genesis of life. It's clear that many critics of evolution simply have never taken the time to read Darwin's original work, or they wouldn't make some of the silly arguments they do, consequently their stronger arguments are diminished in credibility as a result. This is one of the most important and influential works ever published, so really should be read. And, it's an enjoyable read, too."
“Veteran narrator David Case…provides an authentic English accent that suits the material well; his diction is precise, making his narration easy to follow.”
Veteran narrator David Case...provides an authentic English accent that suits the material well; his diction is precise, making his narration easy to follow.
" It is, without any doubt, a tough read, but a very exciting and very interesting one! After all, it IS a scientific classic and one of the most important scientific publications ever! "
" Straight from the monkey's mouth. "
" When reading it, I am struck by how forward thinking Darwin is. He even argues here that global climate change could disrupt human societies - keep in mind this was written in 1859. While a difficult read, it is ultimately rewarding. "
" Descent with modification by natural selection. Nuff said. "
" More people should read this book! "
" I love this book. I can't say anything that hasn't already been said. Just read it. "
" I give credit to Darwin for giving us the insight to evolution of the species of course in a different way Lamarck did 50 years before. In my opinion both of them are equally important in understanding how life evolved. "
" Darwin's work is genius! No other words can explain him or this book. "
" This is a fascinating read, and it's amazing how Darwin came to his conclusions before the identification of DNA and genetics. Wonderful from both an historical and scientific viewpoint. "
" Darwin's delicate and precise passion for nature and his Natural Selection are at once incredible and endearing to read. (Not to mention scientifically beneficial.) Gracious, I love Charles Darwin. "
" Yes, I'm a science nerd. As such, I really enjoyed this book, but not as light "bedtime reading". It falls into a different category of books I enjoy that I lovingly refer to as my "nerd shelf". "
" i don't know, something about pigeons "
" This is not only a milestone of science, I think it's also a genuinely great read. "
" Certainly one of the most influential works of recent history, Darwin is most engaging here as a scientist, most questionable as a philosopher. "
" Took me forever to read, but I feel a better person for it. As expected, it appealed to every scientific cell in my body. It makes sense through logic and evidence. "
Charles Darwin (1809–1882) was an English naturalist and the first evolutionary biologist, best known for his controversial and groundbreaking The Origin of Species. He introduced the concept of natural selection, marking a new epoch in the scientific world. The importance of his work was well recognized by his contemporaries; he was elected to the Royal Society and the French Academy of Sciences and was also honored by burial in Westminster Abbey after he died.
David Case was a distinguished narrator who recorded over 700 audiobooks, was nominated for a Grammy Award, and received numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards for his narrations. AudioFile magazine named him a Golden Voice.
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.
Audiobooks Were Restored to Your Cart
[ShoppingCartItemsAddedOnMerge] audiobook(s) were left in your cart from a previous visit, and saved to your account for your convenience. You may view or remove these audiobooks on the shopping cart page.