On Natural Selection, Charles Darwin

2009 marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin, the man who introduced the theory of evolution which, coincidentally, was published in his book, "The Origin of Species" 150 years ago.

Darwin's journey to the creation of the theory began when he was invited aboard His Majesty's Ship Beagle by the ship's Captain, Robert Fitzroy.

Once aboard, he assumed the role of naturalist, and went on to make observations - which he found to be peculiar - about the wildlife that he came across as the ship made its voyage around South America. Piecing together the evidence he had gathered, it become clear to Darwin that evolution was at the root of life on earth.

The February 2009 edition of National Geographic dedicates its main story to Darwin's founding of the theory of evolution.


Upon the publication of his controversial theory, there was an intense focus of Darwin's personal life and character. However, Darwin was generally found to "be a humane, gentle, decent man, a loving husband and father, and a loyal friend". Learn more about the life and times of Charles Darwin here and here.

While the theory of evolution is generally accepted as fact today, its arguments and evidence were disputed by many scientists and Victorian clegymen when it was first mooted 150 years ago.

Read for yourself what Darwin had to say on the theory in his book, "On Natural Selection", which is an extract of "The Origin of Species."

Title: On Natural selection
Author: Charles Darwin
Year Published: 2004
Price: $5.00 + postage
Condition: Fairly new (3/5)

Email thebookcrew@gmail.com (with the book's ref no.) for inquiries, or to order today!