Darwin: A Very Short Introduction

Darwin: A Very Short Introduction explores how Charles Darwin's theory of evolution has revolutionized biology since it was first presented to a wide readership in 1859. At this time, the influence and significance of The Origin of Species was secured by the direct challenge it posed to traditional views of creation by God. Today, Darwin's work on natural and sexual selection, while enlarged, embellished, and powerfully combined with genetics, remains central to the modern understanding of the evolution and diversification of all life. In this VSI, Darwin's major insights and arguments are analyzed, and the importance of his work for the development of modern biology is explained.