Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species (published in 1859) is a revolutionary work in scientific literature and arguably the pivotal work in evolutionary biology.
It introduced the theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. It was controversial because it contradicted religious beliefs which underlay the then current theories of biology.
Darwin’s book was the culmination of evidence he had accumulated on the voyage of the Beagle in the 1830s and added to through continuing investigations and experiments since his return.
Darwin spent over 20 years researching his ideas, preparing his arguments, and writing this book.
Instead of trying to leap directly into his basic idea and premise, Darwin chooses to gradually lead the reader up to the basic idea of evolution by first point out how humans have caused evolution to occur in our domesticated animals (something very easy for all of us to see).
Darwin then goes on to point out some of the evidence that he and others had seen at that time that indicated that evolution had occurred. His leap in understanding the basic premise of evolution is amazing especially when you consider that he did not understand or have access to information about the basics of genetic passing of traits within species.
In short, according to Darwin, the evolution of species takes place over a long time period and is a series of random events with survival of the fittest, or what is called "natural selection."
The book is a combination of argument and debate along with descriptions of Darwins own experiments with birds and plants, including his own cabbage garden.
This is the book that revolutionized the natural sciences and every literary, philosophical and religious thinker who followed. Darwins theory of evolution and the descent of man remains as controversial and influential today as when it was first published over a century ago.
Darwin was born in 1809, trained as a botanist and zoologist at Cambridge University, and made his famous trip on the H.M.S. Beagle from 1831 to 1836.
It must be remembered that when the book came out in 1859 it was generally assumed that only God could create life. The book was revolutionary.
It was a comprehensive book and came as a major challenge to the accepted norm. At the end in the conclusion Darwin tells the reader that his findings just give a different explanation in the way "the Creator" works, and it does not imply a lack of a God.
This audio book application contains audio files for all chapters in one download, so you can listen to the book on the go without the need for an internet connection. Hence the application size is a little big, and you may need to download it over WiFi connection or through iTunes on your PC or Mac.
Audio Book Features ==>
Pause/resume function
Track progress slider
Volume slider
Easy navigation
Audio continues to play when your device is locked.
Offline viewing and listening without internet connection
If you like this audio book, please check out other great audio books at www.awaudiobooks.com!
*** On Sale Now! (Normal price $2.99) ***