Origin Story: The Trials of Charles Darwin

by Howard Markel

A lively account of how Darwin’s work on natural selection transformed science and society, and an investigation into the mysterious illness that plagued its author.

By early morning of June 30, 1860, a large crowd began to congregate in front of Oxford University’s brand-new Museum of Natural History. The occasion was the annual meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, and the subject of discussion was Charles Darwin’s new fact or fiction?

Darwin, a simultaneously reclusive and intellectually audacious squire from Kent, claimed to have solved “that mystery of mysteries,” introducing a logical explanation of the origin of species—how they adapted, even transmogrified, through natural selection. At stake, on that summer’s day of spirited debate, was the very foundation of modern biology, not to mention the future of the church. Without fear of exaggeration, Darwin’s thesis would forever change our understanding of the life sciences and the natural world. And yet the author himself was nowhere to be found in the debate hall—instead, he was miles away, seeking respite from a spate of illnesses that had plagued him for much of his adult life.

In Origin Story, medical historian Howard Markel recounts the two-year period (1858 to 1860) of Darwin’s writing of On the Origin of Species through its spectacular success and controversy. Simultaneously, Markel delves into the mysterious health symptoms Darwin developed, combing the literature to emerge with a cogent diagnosis of a case that has long fascinated medical historians. The result is a colorful portrait of the man, his friends and enemies, and his seminal work, which resonates to this day.

Genres: Science, History, Nonfiction, Biography, Biology, Biography Memoir, Anthropology

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

About the author

Howard Markel, M.D., Ph.D., is the George E. Wantz Distinguished Professor of the History of Medicine, professor of pediatrics and communicable diseases, professor of psychiatry, and director of the Center for the History of Medicine at the University of Michigan. His books include the award- winning Quarantine! and When Germs Travel. His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The New England Journal of Medicine, and The Journal of the American Medical Association. A member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, Markel lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan."

Reviews

[Sud666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

On June 30th, 1860 a large crowd gathered at Oxford University. They stood in front of a new building- The Museum of Natural History. It was a meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS) and they were there to discuss a radical new theory by Charles Darwin. Howard Markel, both an MD and PhD, tells us the tale of the debate that happened that day. It also delves into the mysterious nonappearance of Charles Darwin himself.

Markel's book is not only a very interesting read, but it is full of great information. It is the story of the debate that occurred over the presentation of the Origin of Species. Partly a background story of Charles Darwin and many of the other major players, it is also a great resource for understanding the arguments, both pro and con, for the thesis.

From the arguments of the religious types like Reverend Wilberforce to academics like Huxley, both side's arguments are presented. Markel also gets into some fascinating details- such as why he (as an MD) feels that Darwin had lactose intolerance, to introduce us to other academics such as Alfred Russel Wallace who had very similar thesis about development, as well as a bird's eye view of arguments both for and against.

I also enjoyed the numerous photos and illustrations of the famous people and the famous things described. That really adds a lot of flavor to this book. While the book may seem dry, it is not. It is full of fascinating information and a great look at one of the seminal scientific ideas of history.

[Peter Tillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this just after reading (and not much liking) Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party: How an Eccentric Group of Victorians Discovered Prehistoric Creatures and Accidentally Upended the World. You can read my review of that book here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Markel is a far better writer than Dolnick, and much better informed on this topic. He was intensely focused on the publication of Darwin's new (and long-delayed) book on the Origin of Species, which was forced on Darwin by Wallace nipping at his heels. But it may be more than you want to know. I definitely skipped and skimmed. But it's a great overview of English science and culture, ca. 1859-1860, when Darwin dropped his bombshell. Good stuff. But far too much extraneous detail -- although some of that is fun. Overall this was a strong 3-star read for me. The photos, portraits and caricatures add a lot to the flavor and fun. Here's a full-size version of Bishop Wilberforce, aka "Soapy Sam": https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
(click to enlarge). Markel thought this was the caricaturist's masterwork.

I will reiterate my recommendation for Paul Johnson's short biography of Darwin. My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I've now read this book three times, and picked up new stuff every time. A near-great biography of the 19th century's most influential scientist. Start here, is my advice. For me a 4.5 star book.

[Peggy Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful recounting of the immediate aftermath of the publication of On the Origin of Species by Darwin, focused especially on the myth-making (by both “sides”) surrounding the famous Battle of Oxford which pitted the defenders of Darwin’s idea of natural selection against the ecclesiastical orthodoxies of the time. It is good to be reminded that this was, above all, the story on individual people with their own agendas, prejudices, foibles and ambitions, not just an abstract battle of ideas - as js all of history.

Markel’s unique perspectives as a historian of science and as a physician are valuable. As the subtitle of the book tells us, Darwin was subject to multiple trials, not just to the censure his revolutionary ideas brought down on him. Famously, he was almost beaten to finish line of scientific priority by Wallace. And he also suffered throughout his life from debilitating maladies, which writers ever since have tried to diagnose in absentia. Markel makes a convincing case for severe lactose intolerance.

I also appreciated that in the Epilogue, Markel calls out the majesty of the final sentence in Origin, words which I have always felt among the most beautiful in the English language, never mind in the scientific literature: “There is grandeur in this view of life…whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.”

Ironically, it is the only place in Darwin’s book where any form of the word “evolve” appears.

[Ethan Zimmerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compelling and colorful history of the writing and reception of Darwin's world-changing work. I was impressed at the author's ability to keep the story interesting.

The author framed the narrative as fundamentally a story about the conflict between science and religion/faith. I can't help but think that people (religious or otherwise) who see an intrinsic antagonism between the two simply don't understand the nature of science or faith. There was real criticism of Darwin on religious grounds, but this is merely coincidental, not inherent.

Also, I learned Way more about Darwin's indigestion and Victorian flatulence than I ever hoped to learn. Poor guy was probably just lactose intolerant before people knew about such things.

[Benson Killpack · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a bit boring but I appreciated the intimate picture the author paints of Darwin. I do find it disturbing how little the religious argument against Darwinism has evolved (ha!) since the release of On the Origin of Species.

[Sumudu Perera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started 5/9/24; Finished 16/9/24

A fascinating book by medical historian and MD Howard Markel that explores an area of Darwin’s history that I have personally not explored, the immediate period after the announcement of his theory, as well as post the publication of On the Origin of Species.

Markel’s MD background definitely shines through here, as I was constantly fascinated by very sound medical explanations given to the context of the times (eg the rampant and consistent epidemics of diseases that are nigh eliminated or treated early in the developed world due to vaccinations and antibiotics), with a number of Darwin’s own children either dying or becoming incredibly ill through the period, as well as we later see that of his Bulldog Huxley’s child.

The most interesting aspect of this book is the notion of the dissemination of scientific ideas, particularly those that shift paradigms. Thomas Kuhn’s “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions” explored how many paradigm shifting ideas required the “old guard” as it were to die off before the ideas were accepted as mainstream - this was not the case with Darwin’s theories, with his theory of evolution being ferociously read and worked with throughout his lifetime.

Of note, in addition to the fact that Darwin had sat on his ideas for near 20++ years prior to publication (read - Mastery for a decent account of his voyage on the Beagle; as well as Darwin’s first hand accounts), being only spurred into action by naturalist Alfred Wallace who had come to similar conclusions through his work. Darwin was fortunate to be surrounded by likeminded scientists and luminaries like Lyle (famous and pioneer geologist) who helped ensure that Darwin’s and Wallace’s 1858 papers were published together, albeit Darwin’s first order, at the Linnean Society. Darwin was, as a member of the privileged class, a member of this society whereas Wallace was not, thus another advantage.

Subsequent anonymous (well, not so anonymous as many of the biased authors could be gleaned, eg pioneer palaeontologist who coined the term “dinosaur” Richard Owen was on the wrong side of history and was vehemently against Darwin, and cited his own papers as counter to Origin) reviews and newspaper articles made the topic of Darwin’s book publication infamous. Owen also primed Samuel “Soapy Sam” Wilbeforce, a bishop of the Church of England into launching a 17,000 word strawman diatribe against Darwin’s work, ushering in creationism as a counter force
* an ironic point here is how Owen opened England’s Natural History Museum, extended his vendetta against Darwin to minimising his contribution to the museum’s information; but then later this museum now houses a large statue of Darwin at the main staircase.

This led to the most impactful clash of ideas, and the crux of this book, the 1860 Oxford evolution debate between Darwin’s bulldog Huxley and Wilberforce. (Darwin himself couldn’t attend due to a bout of his sickness requiring admitting for water treatment)

Huxley, a man with a very interesting background as not being of wealthy ilk compared to Darwin, who relied on a scholarship to get into medical school, but then was too young to graduate with a Bachelor of Surgery - before his scholarship ran out, leading him to turn to science and realising the power of his oration and ability to change his speeches in accordance with his audience. This is the same Thomas Henry Huxley who is the paternal grandfather of famous author Aldous Huxley (of Brave New World fame).

Markel recounts in precise detail, including the parts we know for sure, and what may be hearsay based on multiple sources and perspectives, of this great clash and debate between Huxley and Wilberforce.

Wilberforce, who had a large swathe of supporters of creationism behind him, appeared for be gaining sway until the end, where with a betrayal of his own confidence and collectedness, he accused Huxley of whether he would prefer he descend from a man or an ape (what was exactly said is uncertain), whereby Huxley replied to the effect of how this would be of no consequence to him, before going on a set of masterful points arguing Darwin’s theory, before these points being deftly hammered against Wilbeforce by botanist Joseph Hooker.

Not only was this scientific debate seen as a win for Darwin’s theories, most interestingly was how this was influential in beginning a rapid paradigm shift in biology well within Darwin’s lifetime. Perhaps a key was that Darwin, through his contacts, was able to convince enough colleagues as to the merits of their ideas, whereas many others try to spruce revolutionary ideas without adequate backing,

Very interesting book and recommend the read!


Additional points of interest
- Markell (and his team of scientists) assert that Darwin’s famous depictions of being constantly sick (so sick that he couldn’t even be present at the famous scientific conference that Huxley argued for him) was due likely to Lactose Intolerance! (With his wife inadvertently exacerbating it with all her recipes containing milk, and symptoms becoming better after he went to water treatment retreats that barred foods with milk products)
- No matter how brilliant a person is, no human being is perfect and thus should not be blindly aspired to, rather their best bits should be studied, and the rest noted and not taken on (see - Marcus Aurelius). Case in point here is how Darwin was a man of his times - he and his wife (who was very much devoted to him) partook in subtle and not so subtle racist thinking eg because he saw her as the “woman” of the house, their nickname for him was either slave (to her master) or the n word :/ Also, he seemed to have died just in time to avoid being lumped in with the height of Social Darwinism and his half cousin Galton’s Eugenics movement that ultimately led to horrors across the US proto-concentration camps for “undesirables”, and subsequently as we know to the Nazi concentration camps (see: the book “The Gene”). Who knows how history would have seen him if he lived long enough to fully fall behind the false notions of Social Darwinism?

[Annalise · Rating 3 out of 5]

"What we ought to learn from this knotty history is that there are almost always unintended consequences to an idea, theory, or doctrine--whether generated by scientists, philosophers, theologians, or a higher authority."

A fun, relatively quick read with a lot of boring parts mixed in. I really enjoyed the punting between different scientists at the BAAS meeting and the ridiculous things some of the religious leaders said at the time about Darwin's research. I think this narrative would have been a lot more interesting if it had reflected on current anti-science beliefs rather than solely being about the facts of the time. Especially with the author's final statements about the issues of our time, it would have made a much more compelling narrative and perhaps brought something fresh and new to the genre.

3/5

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️


If you love discussion about discussion, this audiobook is for you.

Origin story tells the story of Darwin‘s greatest work and focusses on the main dissertation and discussion of the titular title.

Full of backstory and history leading up to and afterwards, this book had everything you wanted to know about the creation and justification of Darwin’s masterpiece.

Narrator Mike Cooper was a great pairing for this audiobook reading and brought the listener back to this time and space. Personally, I found that it took me a little while to get used to his strong British accent and the listing of words. Once I was comfortable and familiar with his style, I found him to be a very enjoyable voice for this subject matter.

[Todd Stockslager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review title: Writing and debating Origin

Now 165 years in the making, the debate on evolution vs. creation is still raging. Howard Markel has written this small gem of biography and history on Charles Darwin and how he wrote On the Origin of Species that ignited it. This is truly an origin story.

Darwin had completed his famed journey on the Beagle decades before and was now in 1858 living the privileged life of Victorian nobility with his wife and their 10 children and servant staff on his estate outside of London, writing up articles and books based on his observations and research. While his writing paid, he was living handsomely from his inherited income and wise investments, so he was taking his time in his study formulating his theory about natural selection (Markel summarizes it as VISTA: variation, inheritance, selection, time, adaptation, p. 49) which would be the masterpiece and summation of his long and honored career.

Then in June of 1858 he received a letter from a young scientist in the field named Alfred Russell Wallace, with the draft of an essay that, independently, documented Wallace’s version of the same theory (p. 18-19). After forwarding Wallace’s essay and an abstract of his proposed opus to his scientific colleagues and his publisher, Darwin began writing and in 13 months (p. 86) completed the 513 pages, 150,000 words, of Origins (p. 90).

But what makes Markel's account interesting and worth reading is his focus on the man at its center, and the context of the times. Darwin was a great correspondent and his letters often describe his many health issues as well as those of his growing family. He was a private man, and his frequent bouts of intestinal illness, leading to constipation and flatulence, reinforced his isolation from society whenever possible. Some of his children also suffered various health issues, and even Darwin's wealth and social status could not shield them from the lethal impacts of the primitive and sometimes deleterious health care of the times; three of the children died in childhood. Darwin's focus and time devoted to his life work suffered as he cared for himself and his family, and grieved for their deaths.

Darwin was also aware of the controversy that would arise over his findings. Other scientists in the 19th century had begun to publish their research about the geological age of the earth, the fossil record, and other aspects of nature that had started to call into question the Biblical description of creation. While Darwin was careful to soften his conclusion and did not claim that humans had evolved from lower life forms (p. 120) he knew that was a likely charge. Markel tells how Darwin thought and communicated with his colleagues, how those who supported Darwin helped to write positive reviews and popularize his idea in lectures and writings of their own, and how those scientists, theologians, and church leaders who were offended by the theory wrote negative reviews and attacked the Origins. Markel's thumbnail biographies and descriptions of the key players provide context, understanding, and empathy for the different positions adopted as the book became a popular seller.

Finally, Markel devotes a major portion of his account to the June 1860 annual meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, a week-long conference where several presenters were applying Darwin's theory to their field of specialty, and where Darwin was invited and expected to participate--but a flare-up of his intestinal issues forced him to spend the week at a spa seeking treatment. Markel, a practicing pediatrician, spends some time speculating on possible diagnoses for Darwin's "Mysterious Malady" (see chapter 9, p. 158-175), but without DNA material to help supplement the written record in 19th-Century terminology and medical terms, the conclusion is tentative. The conference proceeded without Darwin, including a famous confrontation on June 30 between supporters and detractors of Darwin which was equally inconclusive but has been the topic of debate for the many decades since. The battle between evolution vs. creation was joined and continues still.

The purpose of Markel's account is not to declare a winner in the battle, although he clearly stands in favor of Darwin's theory. He is providing context that helps us understand the history both of the theory and the cultural and religious response to it in its time. He includes detailed endnotes documenting his sources, but no separate bibliography. This means that some of the notes are quite long as they include all the source information. There are illustrations and contemporary descriptions of many of the main characters, plus an index, so the 260 pages are easy to navigate and a pleasure to read.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was only a few months ago my own trek across the wordscape of books covering ‘the entangled histories of science and religion’ (quoted for a reason, as it’s the subtitle to a great book on it and the one that got me started) and there’s no better poster child for this subject than Charles Darwin. Several books already now appear in my ever-growing reading list that cover him in great detail, but after randomly finding out there’s a new book zeroing in on the aftermath of his most famous work, ‘On the Origin of Species’, something I have already read about, but not in book-length form, I decided to throw my carefully crafted plans to the wind and see what an expanded look at a controversial book by a rather pious man did to the world of science and religion in the immediate aftermath of publication. Also, another look at Thomas Huxley in action is a win-win for any fans of draw-dropping retorts, apocryphal or not.

“Origin Story: the Trials of Charles Darwin” thus has two unique things going for it (three if you count that beautiful cover!): a hyper-focus on one specific time period of Darwin’s life and a hyper-focus on the medical ailments that became major issues for him and his family. That this book was written by a physician provides valuable insight into the latter—something most likely all other books about Charles Darwin only lightly cover.

Darwin did not have an easy life, nor did he have a grand one. He was reverent and in his faith, he searched not to disprove his beliefs, but to enhance them. It’s unfortunate Bible literalists may use his name as a pejorative when they don’t even perform a modicum of research nor read at least the conclusion of ‘On The Origin of Species’ where he lays his cards out concluding with lines most elegant:

“There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.”

He viewed the immutability of species not as a way to disprove a Creator, but as actual proof of the existence of a Prime Mover. Perhaps then Huxley was right when he gave that potentially apocryphal zinger to Wilberforce that I paraphrase* here because of the murkiness surrounding the exact wording (and this is expressed upon in detail near the end of “Origin Story”): “I’d rather descend from an ape than from a bishop”. In other words, the quest for truth always outweighs wallowing in one’s ignorance. Darwin in those years following the publication took a brunt of vitriol like no other and thanks to the sketch provided here, curious readers today can more digestibly appreciate what he was going through. For a book that clings to one specific area of his life, it excels at what it sets out to do.

*This is on purpose. For curious minds, even on the famous 1860 debate there is a ton of literature out there on it and according to one book, Magisteria: the Entangled Histories of Science and Religion by Nick Spencer, an actual transcript may have been found (mini spoiler: it does not change too much from what we already know).

Zooming out—and only slightly—“Origin Story” is succinct. It focuses on one specific period of Darwin’s life. It does not try to paint itself as a full-fledged biography. It also makes me yet again feel guilty for not yet picking up the book of the hour, “On the Origin of Species”, but soon enough perhaps I will throw caution into the vortex of compounded doubt and give it a whirl. Here there is controversy and also enlightenment. Religion may always exist as will science and somehow they will continue to coagulate forming something most beautiful.

[Joseph Adelizzi, Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Origin Story by Howard Markel is a multifaceted examination of the genesis and revelation of Darwin’s treatise on the origin of species through natural selection. Markel does an excellent job of showing many issues and situations from the viewpoints of multiple individuals, giving a fascinating glimpse into how the same reality can be experienced and interpreted differently by every observer. The polestar of Markel’s explication is the June 30, 1860 annual meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, during which the luminaries of mid-nineteenth-century science and religion loosely debated Darwin’s theory. In the process, Markel also gives us a glimpse into the human side, even the frailties, of many of these luminaries.

As interesting as all that is, it won’t be what I remember years from now when I think back on this book. What I will remember is the humor with which many of these luminaries of the day went about their business.

I’ll remember how Thomas Huxley started a monthly supper club where members shared their thoughts on science and its possibilities. So as not to limit the club in any way, Huxley settled on the coolest name this side of the Marvel Comic universe - “the X Club.”

I’ll remember how the X Club set up summer weekend excursions for members and their wives, advertising them using the scientific-looking formula “x’s + yv’s.”

I’ll remember how one Irish poet, explaining how Darwin so often backed out of social commitments due to ill health that he developed a reputation as a no-show, and a hilarious nickname as “the Missing Link.”

I’ll remember how Thomas Huxley purportedly stated that he’d rather his grandfather be a monkey than a bishop.

I’ll remember how Darwin farted. Constantly. I’ll laugh, but I’ll empathize. And I’ll feel bad for Darwin that he suffered relentlessly before anyone knew about lactose intolerance.

It’s not right that I won’t remember all the significant revelations made by Markel, not right not to give kudos to “Darwin’s Bulldog” (Huxley), Joseph Hooker, Alfred Wallace, and especially Charles Darwin. It’s not right that I’ll laugh like a junior high school boy when I think of Markel’s farting Darwin. But hey, what did you expect from someone whose grandparents were monkeys?

[Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Origin Story” is a book about Charles Darwin, his struggles to publish Origin of Species - 20 years after his now famous voyage on the Beagle- and the battles that Darwin faced once this groundbreaking book was published.

I’ve long known of Darwin and his famous theory of biological evolution. Who hasn't?

“It’s not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It’s the most adaptive to change”. Most people have comes across this in and out of school.

I’ve also known that this phrase is often changed and replaced with Herbert Spencer’s “Survival of the fittest”. This is not really the same idea but is used to promote the concept of “Social Darwinism”, eugenics, and a justification for inequity in society.

This was my attempt to dig deeper into what drove Darwin to this thinking and the reception – both positive and negative – that he faced with this theory that disrupted at least the creationist way of thinking that God created each species in its entirety -without the need for evolution.

The book did a good job of explaining Darwin’s state of mind at the time he published “Origin”. He was not a well man and the author – Howard Markel who is both a medical doctor and a historian – felt it was likely due to lactose intolerance.

Darwin was also a procrastinator who may not have completed Origin if he was not challenged by Alfred Wallace -a younger English explorer, collector, naturalist, and anthropologist who corresponded with Charles Darwin, and was close to publishing his own treatise on biological evolution.

It was Darwin’s relationships with those who published the scientific journals of the time, and his proximity of being in England versus in Borneo who Mr. Wallace was studying that we know of Darwin as being much more famous than Wallace.

This is typical of how innovation works in this world. Many innovators pursue similar paths and reach similar conclusions around the same time. It is a combination of politics, timing, skill and luck that separates being first versus being forgotten.

I liked the way the author set up the defenders of Darwin’s work vs. those who attacked it. Thomas Hawking and Joseph Hooker were clear in Darwin's camp, while Bishop Wilberforce and Richard Owen were not.

Further I liked the “VISTA” acronym that the author discussed to encapsulate the fundamental principles of natural selection:

1.Variation
2. Inheritance
3. Selection
4. Time
5. Adaption

Others may have learned this in high school biology but this was the first time I came across it.

I also very much appreciate the photos that were presented throughout the book.

There was nothing I did not like about Origin Story and will soon need to read Darwin’s book – if only because I’ve put if off for too long.

[Keith Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that focuses on the final preparations for the publication of "The Origin of Species," and at greater length on the "Battle of Oxford" in 1860 that set the tone for the discussions of Darwin for the next decades, and also established the basis for how the science would eventual vanquish the superstition. (It is interesting to note that I heard these discussions in my evangelical upbringing well into the latter days of the 20th century; in fact, my father and I could get quite heated taking the different sides of the argument!).

Markel is very thorough, has done the archival work, and he retains his sense of humor. These characters come alive. He quotes judiciously from the Victorian prose, which almost makes it readable. He is also very good on Darwin's health and his illness, concluding that the great man suffered from a severe case of lactose intolerance.

My one quibble might be that Markel could have provided just a bit more context on early Darwin, on the Beagle, etc. Yes, this was outside the main focus of the book, and it certainly has been treated thoroughly elsewhere, but I still felt that maybe one more chapter before the publication might have helped crystalize the context.

Still, it is a very enjoyable read, and the study of Darwin's illness is new to me, and is very helpful.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this audiobook, but it just fell flat for me. As someone who had to take evolutionary biology while earning my B.S. in Biology, I’ve always been fascinated by the concepts of this subject and Darwin’s revolutionary ideas—despite having a terrible professor. However, this audiobook focused more on Darwin’s ailments and, in particular, his bouts of flatulence than I could have anticipated.

Honestly, if I got a dollar every time the word “flatulence” was mentioned, I’d probably be able to pay off my student loans. It felt like this aspect of his life overshadowed his groundbreaking work at times.

That said, Darwin’s impact on science cannot be overstated. He was a revolutionary, challenging deeply ingrained religious beliefs with his theories on evolution and natural selection. Science, after all, is about seeking factual truth through evidence and the scientific method—not belief. While the book did touch on his boldness in defying societal norms and religious doctrine, it was often overshadowed by details that felt unnecessary to the bigger picture.

I appreciate the subject matter, but I didn’t gain much insight beyond what I already knew. If you’re looking to learn about Darwin’s scientific contributions, this might not be the best resource.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores the tumultuous two years following the publication of Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking “On the Origin of Species.” It delves into the heated debate that erupted over the theory of evolution, challenging the established scientific and religious order. While the world grappled with Darwin’s ideas, Darwin himself was plagued by a mysterious illnesses. The author, a medical historian, suggests a compelling diagnosis. This captivating narrative unveils the personal struggles behind a scientific revolution that forever changed our understanding of the natural world.

I enjoyed the narration of this fun-to-read book. The drama is built into the story, given how contentious the debate was over Darwin and Wallace’s world-changing theory. At the same time, Darwin experienced tragedy in his personal life and suffered from perennial illness. I suspect the author’s diagnosis is the correct one. Readers with the condition may well recognize the symptoms and be very grateful it can now be simply diagnosed and treated.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sarah M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrator gets 5 stars - the book overall is 3.5 stars

If you want the historical context all around Darwin when he published On the Origin of Species this is your book. Darwin’s publication was controversial from the start particularly attacked by devout Christians of one flavor or another. The later third of the book discussed oral discussions and debates which followed the book’s publication - these scenes I expected from the title and found the most interesting. The extensive section on Darwin’s gastrointestinal trouble on the other hand I sped up. Historically accurate and thorough yes - just know you are getting everything about Darwin and everything about all the people around him at this time. I got what I came for and enjoyed learning during sections of this book - I just also happened to get a bunch more which is no one’s fault just my personal experience interacting with this book. That all being said the narrator of the audiobook was good and definitely added to the experience.

Thank you NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

#netgalley

[Fred Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from our town library. It was a delightful and easy book to read. It covered almost exclusively the backstory and aftermath of the publication of Darwin's book "On the Origin of Species". It didn't dwell much at all on the content of Darwin's book, for which there are many other books out there. Reading the blathering denunciations of Darwin's book and insults mostly by anally conservative religious nuts of the day and the equally verbose replies and retorts of Darwin's supporters in the prose of the time was enjoyable to read. The backgrounds of the various pro- and anti-Darwinian players were very interesting to read.

(The copy which I had gotten from my town library, had a bar code label glued onto the back cover, which completely covered the top edge of the cover and whatever was printed on the jacket. I thought I was reading the usual praise for the book by other notables, but then I discovered halfway through these that it was praise for a completely different, unrelated book by Mr. Markel.)

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you don’t have at least some curiosity about Victorian England, this may be a slog in parts. However, I was fascinated to understand that world and the hierarchy of society and learned institutions. Darwin’s place in society certainly gave him an advantage in promulgating his theory and garnering respect for his work.

As I was reading this book, I drew comparisons in my mind to society’s current disparate perspectives on climate change. Darwin had his advocates, which are covered in detail, as well many respected detractors. It took decades and much more scientific research before his theory became widely accepted. And to this day there are still detractors.

I feel the comparisons are valid, and the author sums it up:

“Our collective knowledge of the world is always evolving.”

My conclusion would have read ‘Our collective knowledge of the world should always be evolving.’

[Allegra Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a dynamite study of the early reception of "The Origin of Species" and the varied responses to the book--some substantive, some virulent, some well-argued, some ad hominem. It's extraordinary to see the petty jealousy of some of Darwin's competitors as they try to discredit him. Of course not everyone is convinced of Darwin's theory, even now, but the paradigm shifting importance of his ideas is no longer in doubt. "Origin story" surprises and delights in every chapter. You feel as though you are there in the overheated room at the meeting of the British Association for Advancement of Science while naturalists shout each other down, clergy warn the public, the audience cheers for one side and then another. Tempers rise. A lady faints. This is a fantastic story, and Markel tells it brilliantly. Reading these pages gave me much pleasure.

[David Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Origin Story by Howard Markel because I have always been intrigued by the origins of ideas that end up changing the course of history. This book does exactly that, it takes the reader deeper into both the man and the myth of Darwin, and into the entire process behind his theory and the publication of On the Origin of Species. The book also reconstructs the debates that natural selection sparked within the clergy and the scientific community, the resentments among scientists, and the misuses of the natural selection (e.g., the origin of Social Darwinism and Eugenics). At moments, I felt the author spent too much space on topics that aren’t particularly essential to the book. I would have liked the author to devote more attention to how his theory of evolution has been validated over time.

[Diane Jeske · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by the history of natural history and this book fits that interest niche perfectly. It recounts the events around Darwin’s publication of THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES. His friends were urging him to publish but he only did so after receiving a letter from Alfred Russel Wallace propounding a theory in line with Darwin’s own. Darwin himself failed to attend the famous debate that followed in which Huxley defended evolution due to his persistent stomach ailments.

This is a piece of social and intellectual history with an emphasis on the characters involved in the early debate over evolution. It is handsomely illustrated and well written. However, it is sparse on theoretical detail, but well worth a read if you are interested in the social history of the theory of evolution.

[Ren || Reading What I Want · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, it wasn’t bad but it was kind of boring. Mike Cooper, the narrator, was absolutely pleasant and the shining star of the audiobook.

I knew this wasn’t going to be a riveting tale of mystery but I was expecting a bit more than discussions on discussions. I often found myself drifting in thought and not paying attention.

I’m not religious so hearing what religious leaders had to say made me roll my eyes. I did enjoy the scientists opinions.

So like I said, not bad, but definitely more academic than entertainment. And that’s okay!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy.

[Jessica - How Jessica Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considering how action-packed the years after Origin of Species' publication were, this book was surprisingly boring. A lot of thoughts about thoughts. And Darwin's flatulence.

I really was expecting it to be more about backlash, and there was some for sure. But a large portion was definitely the metaphorical 'trial' of Darwin's health. Which I really didn't care about.

(Also, note: it uses the n-word multiple times, which was very jarring to hear on audio.)

I almost DFNed around 60%, but just put it up to 2.25 percent and sped through the end. And if I'm in a rush to finish a book, that's never a good sign.

[Fernando Hoces de la Guardia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected the book to focus more on the theory of evolution and how it came to dominate scientific thought. Unfortunately, it spent much more time on Darwin and other figures of his era. While there is some discussion of the initial struggles of this theory, much of the focus is spent on the personal details of historical figures.

I would have preferred more exploration of how 19th-century political resistance to evolution connects with modern-day denialism. Instead, I got a detailed account of Darwin's lactose intolerance, which, to be fair, does play a role in the story.

[Kathryn Card · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall this book was very interesting and I learned a lot and Charles Darwin and other important men of science, medicine, and religion in 1800s England. I enjoyed learning and the "Battle of Oxford" and how Darwin's Origin book caused such a rift in the academic community.

While I learned a lot this book did not keep my attention and the name dropping of many different people got confusing.

I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed the performance by the narrator.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ORIGIN STORY is a very personal narrative about natural selection's introduction into the 19th century scientific community. The center of the story is Darwin, a beautiful writer and friend to many powerful people in the academic world. Alfred Wallace is off in Southeast Asia coming up with a similar approach to understanding how life evolved but does not have as many supporters rooting for him.

It is a very good book, fast-paced and intriguing.

[Ashley V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I oddly couldn’t put this book down, even though I can’t pinpoint why. I was intrigued by Darwin’s mysterious malady, as well as how hard his colleagues fought for him, and the games that he played on all sides. Admittedly, being a Biology teacher, it probably kept me more entertained than most - learning the everyday lives of numerous recognizable scientists.

[Paul Narvaez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book. I had no idea how much illness he had to contend with (The trials of Charles Darwin indeed). A smart man and a good father. The factoid at the end was surprising in that although Darwin was the poster boyh for evolution...the word "evolve" was only mentioned once in the "The Origin Of Species" and on the last page.

[Mary Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I found some of the information provided interesting, it seemed much ado about nothing. The writing was good so it was easy enough to get through but I just didn't feel that there was that much meat to the story--just a lot of filler information about Darwin himself (his flatulence) and his supporters and detractors.

[Ashlee Beal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was interesting and focused more on Darwin than other figures. I didn’t know how much loss and medical complications he had during his life and was still trying to come out with scientific research before everyone else. If you like history then you’ll probably like this however I can see why people would think it is boring.