The Quotable Darwin

“’At last gleams of light have come… . I think I have found out (here’s presumption!) the simple way by which species become exquisitely adapted to various ends.’ Thus, Charles Darwin to botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker in an 1844 letter—just one gem from Janet Browne’s selected excerpts. Darwin vividly emerges as a crack shot with a tin ear for music, a loving father, a would-be anthropologist struggling to understand indigenous peoples and the consummate scientist, working ‘from a sort of instinct to try to make out truth.‘”—Barbara Kiser, Nature“The Quotable Darwin is fascinating, funny, and humanizing. It brings an icon to life.”—Glenn Dallas, San Fransisco Book Review“Fans of Janet Browne’s epic two-volume biography of Charles Darwin will not want to miss her new book, The Quotable Darwin, which features a broad selection of Darwin’s personal and professional observations on life, liberty, and of course science.”—John Farrell, Forbes.com”[Darwin’s] own words paint an unexpectedly complete and truthful picture of the man (brilliance, wit, sickness), his times—and limitations.”—Liz Else, New Scientist“The selection of quotes from Darwin’s books and his letters are grouped into chapters with headings that are expected, such as Species or Survival of the Fittest, and less expected, such as one of my favourites, Barnacles.” * The Australian *”[Browne’s] book delves into the mind of Darwin, revealing his insights, humor, and understanding of the world as he knew it. Darwin’s words never get old, and Browne’s treatment of his wisdom does not disappoint. Her book is a must for any dedicated student of Charles Darwin, and the novice reader alike.”—Howard O. Clark, Jr., Sonoran Herpetologist

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist who developed the revolutionary theory of evolution by natural selection. His books included On the Origin of Species and The Voyage of the “Beagle”.

Janet Browne is the Aramont Professor Emeritus of the History of Science at Harvard University. Her books include the acclaimed two-volume biography of Darwin, Charles Darwin: Voyaging and Charles Darwin: The Power of Place.