It's hard to avoid Charles Darwin these days. With 2009 being the 200th anniversary of his birth, there have been many recent celebrations and accounts of his life and work. That, in combination with the seemingly never-ending debate (at least in the United States) about the implications of his work, has kept his name in the public's mind now as much as ever.
Tim Berra, who also wrote Evolution and the Myth of Creationism, is professor emeritus of evolution, ecology, and organismal biology at Ohio State University. In Charles Darwin he has written a charming and informative biography of the man who laid the foundation for modern biological thought.
Darwin the Family Man
In the introduction to Charles Darwin, the author makes note of the many and more expansive biographical accounts that have preceded his. Berra is clear in his aim to present a more personal look at Darwin's life. He succeeds admirably.
Darwin was happily married and had ten children, not all of whom survived to adulthood. His experiences with loss molded his views on both nature and God. Even though life-altering personal events no doubt shaped some of his thoughts, his ideas on the alteration of species over time were formed much earlier.
Darwin was a loner, perhaps even a recluse, suffering from poor health most of his life, and staying close to home. Even so, his relations with both friends and family remained warm throughout his life. Darwinophiles may require more than Berra gives, but for most, his treatment suffices.
Darwin the Scientist
Darwin authored many books, many of which broke new ground in scientific writing and presentation. Although his seminal work The Origin of Species has never been out of print, Berra makes clear why a number of his other works are held in high regard even today. Darwin's thoroughness as an observer and recorder of nature, and his genius as a designer of experiments are amply illustrated.
With respect to illustrations, the book has many—mostly of Darwin's family and scientific contemporaries (both friend and foe)—but also others of importance and interest with respect to his scientific undertakings. Sixteen color plates are included along with many other drawings and photographs in gray scale.
No matter which side of the evolution debate one may be on, everyone should know something about Darwin and how he came to solidify and present his ideas. He did not arrive at his theories on natural selection and descent easily or without much research and consideration.
Anyone interested in delving into the minutiae of Darwin's life can surely find a way to do so. For a short (114 pp) yet meaningful overview of the life and work of one of history's most influential thinkers, Berra's Charles Darwin provides a quick and enjoyable read. And, no, Darwin did not recant his theory of evolution on his deathbed.
References
Charles Darwin, The Concise Story of an Extraordinary Man, 2009, Tim M. Berra, The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, ISBN-13 978-0-8018-9104-5, ISBN-10 0-978-0-8018-9104-5
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