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It Was Snowing Butterflies
'The vessel drove before her bows two billows of liquid phosphorus'
A selection of Darwin's extraordinary adventures during the voyage of the Beagle
Introducing Little Black Classics: 80 books for Penguin's 80th birthday. Little Black Classics celebrate the huge range and diversity of Penguin Classics, with books from around the world and across many centuries. They take us from a balloon ride over Victorian London to a garden of blossom in Japan, from Tierra del Fuego to 16th century California and the Russian steppe. Here are stories lyrical and savage; poems epic and intimate; essays satirical and inspirational; and ideas that have shaped the lives of millions.
Charles Darwin (1809-1882).
Darwin's Autobiographies, On the Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals and The Voyage of the Beagle are available in Penguin Classics.
A selection of Darwin's extraordinary adventures during the voyage of the Beagle
Introducing Little Black Classics: 80 books for Penguin's 80th birthday. Little Black Classics celebrate the huge range and diversity of Penguin Classics, with books from around the world and across many centuries. They take us from a balloon ride over Victorian London to a garden of blossom in Japan, from Tierra del Fuego to 16th century California and the Russian steppe. Here are stories lyrical and savage; poems epic and intimate; essays satirical and inspirational; and ideas that have shaped the lives of millions.
Charles Darwin (1809-1882).
Darwin's Autobiographies, On the Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals and The Voyage of the Beagle are available in Penguin Classics.
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1835
55 people are currently reading
2833 people want to read
About the author
Charles Darwin
2,373 books3,408 followersCharles Robert Darwin of Britain revolutionized the study of biology with his theory, based on natural selection; his most famous works include
On the Origin of Species
(1859) and
The Descent of Man
(1871).
Chiefly Asa Gray of America advocated his theories.
Works of Jacques Martin Barzun include Darwin, Marx, Wagner (1941).
Charles Robert Darwin, an eminent English collector and geologist, proposed and provided scientific evidence of common ancestors for all life over time through the process that he called. The scientific community and the public in his lifetime accepted the facts that occur and then in the 1930s widely came to see the primary explanation of the process that now forms modernity. In modified form, the foundational scientific discovery of Darwin provides a unifying logical explanation for the diversity of life.
Darwin developed his interest in history and medicine at Edinburgh University and then theology at Cambridge. His five-year voyage on the Beagle established him as a geologist, whose observations and supported uniformitarian ideas of Charles Lyell, and publication of his journal made him as a popular author. Darwin collected wildlife and fossils on the voyage, but their geographical distribution puzzled him, who investigated the transmutation and conceived idea in 1838. He discussed his ideas but needed time for extensive research despite priority of geology. He wrote in 1858, when Alfred Russel Wallace sent him an essay, which described the same idea, prompting immediate joint publication.
His book of 1859 commonly established the dominant scientific explanation of diversification in nature. He examined human sexuality in Selection in Relation to Sex , and The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals followed. A series of books published his research on plants, and he finally examined effect of earthworms on soil.
A state funeral recognized Darwin in recognition of preeminence and only four other non-royal personages of the United Kingdom of the 19th century; people buried his body in Westminster abbey, close to those of John Herschel and Isaac Newton.
Her fathered Francis Darwin, astronomer George Darwin, and politician, economist and eugenicist Leonard Darwin.
(Arabic: تشارلز داروين)
Chiefly Asa Gray of America advocated his theories.
Works of Jacques Martin Barzun include Darwin, Marx, Wagner (1941).
Charles Robert Darwin, an eminent English collector and geologist, proposed and provided scientific evidence of common ancestors for all life over time through the process that he called. The scientific community and the public in his lifetime accepted the facts that occur and then in the 1930s widely came to see the primary explanation of the process that now forms modernity. In modified form, the foundational scientific discovery of Darwin provides a unifying logical explanation for the diversity of life.
Darwin developed his interest in history and medicine at Edinburgh University and then theology at Cambridge. His five-year voyage on the Beagle established him as a geologist, whose observations and supported uniformitarian ideas of Charles Lyell, and publication of his journal made him as a popular author. Darwin collected wildlife and fossils on the voyage, but their geographical distribution puzzled him, who investigated the transmutation and conceived idea in 1838. He discussed his ideas but needed time for extensive research despite priority of geology. He wrote in 1858, when Alfred Russel Wallace sent him an essay, which described the same idea, prompting immediate joint publication.
His book of 1859 commonly established the dominant scientific explanation of diversification in nature. He examined human sexuality in Selection in Relation to Sex , and The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals followed. A series of books published his research on plants, and he finally examined effect of earthworms on soil.
A state funeral recognized Darwin in recognition of preeminence and only four other non-royal personages of the United Kingdom of the 19th century; people buried his body in Westminster abbey, close to those of John Herschel and Isaac Newton.
Her fathered Francis Darwin, astronomer George Darwin, and politician, economist and eugenicist Leonard Darwin.
(Arabic: تشارلز داروين)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
March 5, 2017
Charles Darwin changed the world with his book: The Origin of Species. He was not the first man to come up with the theory of evolution, however, he was the first man to give it real academic credibility. This edition composes of his journal entries whilst he was aboard the Beagle. They are a recounting of his journey that tried to prove the theory of evolution on, and they really are quite revealing to the nature of the quest and the man himself.
Indeed, this is an interesting read because it is not a simple account of his observations of nature, but it is also an account of life aboard the ship. The crew encountered several obstacles such as tribesman and the harsh nature of the sea. I think this is quite insightful to ship life and to Darwin himself because his opinion of these matters almost comes across. I think if you’re more interested in his theory then, of course, go and read his full book, but if you want a little bit of insight into his character then this is worth reading.
Be warned though: do not expect literary genius here. This edition is of value because of the information it provides about Darwin, and not because of his remarkable writing style.
Penguin Little Black Classic- 67
The Little Black Classic Collection by penguin looks like it contains lots of hidden gems. I couldn’t help it; they looked so good that I went and bought them all. I shall post a short review after reading each one. No doubt it will take me several months to get through all of them! Hopefully I will find some classic authors, from across the ages, that I may not have come across had I not bought this collection.
Yay! 25% of the way through this collection!
Indeed, this is an interesting read because it is not a simple account of his observations of nature, but it is also an account of life aboard the ship. The crew encountered several obstacles such as tribesman and the harsh nature of the sea. I think this is quite insightful to ship life and to Darwin himself because his opinion of these matters almost comes across. I think if you’re more interested in his theory then, of course, go and read his full book, but if you want a little bit of insight into his character then this is worth reading.
Be warned though: do not expect literary genius here. This edition is of value because of the information it provides about Darwin, and not because of his remarkable writing style.
Penguin Little Black Classic- 67
The Little Black Classic Collection by penguin looks like it contains lots of hidden gems. I couldn’t help it; they looked so good that I went and bought them all. I shall post a short review after reading each one. No doubt it will take me several months to get through all of them! Hopefully I will find some classic authors, from across the ages, that I may not have come across had I not bought this collection.
Yay! 25% of the way through this collection!
April 9, 2015
OMG. I Loved this!! :D We were taught in school about Darwin and his diaries and the 'Beagle' but this was the first time i've read a piece of them and its amazing!! Btw how poetic and epic the title is? 'it was snowing butterflies' ♥ *.*
July 27, 2018
The inanimate works of nature – rock, ice, snow, wind, and water – all warring with each other, yet combined against man – here reigned in absolute sovereignty.
— Charles Darwin, "Strait of Magellan"
This collection includes extracts taken from Voyage of the Beagle (chapters IX Patagonia; XI Tierra del Fuego and XIII Strait of Magellan), first published in 1839 by English naturalist, geologist and biologist Charles Darwin (1809-1882).
This travel memoir/scientific treatise reflects Darwin's knowledge on biology, geology, and anthropology. I must confess my attention span struggled while reading some heavily detailed descriptions about the soil or the Fucus giganteus, but regained strength throughout the analysis of certain animals and their behavior, some historical context and especially when he started discussing the confirmation of the law that existing animals have a close relation in form with extinct species. Hints of the storm to come that would change many fields of science forever. Because Darwin's brilliance is unquestionable... to the point of denying any female brain activity? Not so much. Though I must say that I have a soft spot for this remarkable gentleman whose diehard and very public sexism quavered in private: his letters show he actually respected women of his academic circle, and even, ok, sit down for this one, he even worked with them, according to Samantha Evans, editor of Darwin and Women. I'm touched.
Brief moments of struggle aside, this was a pretty interesting read. Among many things, I became familiar with Jemmy Button's story: Orundellico, a native Fuegian of the Yaghan people from Tierra del Fuego, Southern Argentina and Chile, who was taken to England by Captain FitzRoy in HMS Beagle in 1830 and returned home nearly a year and a half later.
It was interesting to watch the conduct of these people towards Jemmy Button (one of the Fuegians who had been taken, during the formar voyage, to England): they immediately perceived the difference between him and the rest, and held much conversation between themselves on the subject. The old man addressed a long harangue to Jemmy, which it seems was to invite him to stay with them.
I doubt I would have read this had it not been for its lovely title, which was misleading and perfect for poetry lovers like me. They trapped me with a somewhat lyrical title and an elegant cover. Of course, I knew what I was about to read, but I thought there might me more. The writing is straightforward and accessible, but at (very few) times, it acquires a rather mellifluous quality while describing the harshness of the Patagonian landscape, the land at the end of the world: its jagged points, cones of snow, blue glaciers, strong outlines marked on a lurid sky.
July 25, 18
* Later on my blog.
** Photo credit: Juan Pablo Oitana
February 14, 2016
Whether you agree with the conclusions Darwin came up with at the end of The Origin of Species or not, one cannot deny that the way he wrote was addicting. In fact, had he not been a naturalist and geologist, he would have fared well as a novelist.
In this wonderful little snippet of his "masterpiece", we encounter him, not only observing nature, but also his accounts on board the Beagle. From mammals to voyage at sea, to encounters with natives, all recounted in such a prose that feels natural of a storyteller.
If one can ignore his racism, and his outdated (although "normal" at the time) views on the native inhabitants of the places he visited (mostly Patagonia, Tierra de Fuego, and the Strait of Magellan), this book would add an interesting insight on Darwin, a perfect introduction to him in order to move on onto his actual non-fiction books.
In this wonderful little snippet of his "masterpiece", we encounter him, not only observing nature, but also his accounts on board the Beagle. From mammals to voyage at sea, to encounters with natives, all recounted in such a prose that feels natural of a storyteller.
If one can ignore his racism, and his outdated (although "normal" at the time) views on the native inhabitants of the places he visited (mostly Patagonia, Tierra de Fuego, and the Strait of Magellan), this book would add an interesting insight on Darwin, a perfect introduction to him in order to move on onto his actual non-fiction books.
December 31, 2020
Türlerin Kökeni uzun zamandır listemde olan ancak bir türlü cesaret edip de okuyamadığım bir eser olarak beklemede. Bu sebeple beni Charles Darwin’in yazınına ısıtması için Kısa Klasikler arasında gördüğüm Lapa Lapa Kelebek Yağıyordu’yu okumak istedim.
Bu kitap Darwin’in kraliyet donanmasına ait bir gemiyle çıkılan beş yıllık bilim yolculuğundan küçük bir kesit aktarıyor. Darwin’in doğabilimci yönüne hayretler içinde kaldım. Okuduğum her satırda dünyanın ne kadar büyük, içerisinde yaşayan canlı çeşitliliğinin ne denli çok olduğunu şaşkınlıkla izledim. İlginç bir şekilde, gelmiş geçmiş en iyi bilim insanlarından biri olması gerçeği dışında Darwin kitap yazmayı da çok iyi biliyor. Sıkıcı, boğucu, akademik nitelikli bir eser değil de sanki usta bir edebiyatçının kaleminden çıkmış gibi bu kitap. Öyle güzel akıyor ki en ufak bir takılma yaşamıyorsunuz. Keşke bütün serüveni yazsaydı ve bu kadar kısa olmasaydı…
Bu kitap Darwin’in kraliyet donanmasına ait bir gemiyle çıkılan beş yıllık bilim yolculuğundan küçük bir kesit aktarıyor. Darwin’in doğabilimci yönüne hayretler içinde kaldım. Okuduğum her satırda dünyanın ne kadar büyük, içerisinde yaşayan canlı çeşitliliğinin ne denli çok olduğunu şaşkınlıkla izledim. İlginç bir şekilde, gelmiş geçmiş en iyi bilim insanlarından biri olması gerçeği dışında Darwin kitap yazmayı da çok iyi biliyor. Sıkıcı, boğucu, akademik nitelikli bir eser değil de sanki usta bir edebiyatçının kaleminden çıkmış gibi bu kitap. Öyle güzel akıyor ki en ufak bir takılma yaşamıyorsunuz. Keşke bütün serüveni yazsaydı ve bu kadar kısa olmasaydı…
February 11, 2018
"But it would be difficult to imagine a scene where [man] seemed to have less claims, or less authority. The inanimate works of nature here reigned in absolute sovereignty."
A short, lovely excerpt from Charles Darwin's journals kept during his momentous voyage around Patagonia. It gives insights into the mind of a biologist with an eye for detail and deep respect for the natural world.
There is no arguing that Darwin was a scientist of brilliancy and I enjoyed this account, which was written in 1883. I was surprised at how lavish his language was and it gave me an understanding of how spectacular his journey must have been to somebody who was able to see things for the first time, who has not already traveled across the globe through travel reports from other people or the internet.
But Darwin's observations are not limited to the natural world, as he makes acquaintance with indigenous people upon arriving in Tierra del Fuego. That is when the typical Western man of the 19th century comes out, as he describes the "savages" :
"I could not have believed how wide was the difference between savage and civilised man. It is greater than between a wild and domesticated animal, in as much as in man there is a greater power of improvement."
Saying something like this today would most definitely be considered racist, but then Darwin is a product of his time, which made me read these passages with curiosity more than dismay. Nonetheless, this is a great taster of what his writing was like and I am sure I will be reading more of what he has written in the future.
In 2015 Penguin introduced the Little Black Classics series to celebrate Penguin's 80th birthday. Including little stories from "around the world and across many centuries" as the publisher describes, I have been intrigued to read those for a long time, before finally having started. I hope to sooner or later read and review all of them!
A short, lovely excerpt from Charles Darwin's journals kept during his momentous voyage around Patagonia. It gives insights into the mind of a biologist with an eye for detail and deep respect for the natural world.
There is no arguing that Darwin was a scientist of brilliancy and I enjoyed this account, which was written in 1883. I was surprised at how lavish his language was and it gave me an understanding of how spectacular his journey must have been to somebody who was able to see things for the first time, who has not already traveled across the globe through travel reports from other people or the internet.
But Darwin's observations are not limited to the natural world, as he makes acquaintance with indigenous people upon arriving in Tierra del Fuego. That is when the typical Western man of the 19th century comes out, as he describes the "savages" :
"I could not have believed how wide was the difference between savage and civilised man. It is greater than between a wild and domesticated animal, in as much as in man there is a greater power of improvement."
Saying something like this today would most definitely be considered racist, but then Darwin is a product of his time, which made me read these passages with curiosity more than dismay. Nonetheless, this is a great taster of what his writing was like and I am sure I will be reading more of what he has written in the future.
In 2015 Penguin introduced the Little Black Classics series to celebrate Penguin's 80th birthday. Including little stories from "around the world and across many centuries" as the publisher describes, I have been intrigued to read those for a long time, before finally having started. I hope to sooner or later read and review all of them!
December 29, 2020
“Our decent was not quite so laborious as our ascent; for the weight of the body forced a passage, and all the slips and falls were in the right direction.”
― Charles Darwin, "Strait of Magellan"
Vol N° 67 of my Penguin Little Black Classics Box Set. This volume contains three selections from Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle. This selection contains:
1. Patagonia ★★★★★
2. Tierra del Fuego ★★★★
3. Strait of Magellan ★★★★
It does make me want to devote a bit of time in 2021 to read more Darwin. I've read The Origin of Species and own a copy of the Voyage of the Beagle, but just haven't gotten to reading it. It was fascinating reading these selections so shortly after reading Hakluyt's The Voyage of Sir Francis Drake Around the Whole Globe. They both hit several of the same points highlighted here (Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, etc). It was fascinating watching how the same places and people are perceived by pirate explorers vs naturalist explorers. Obviously there is also a bit of time involved, but still...it does make me love Darwin just a bit more.
― Charles Darwin, "Strait of Magellan"
Vol N° 67 of my Penguin Little Black Classics Box Set. This volume contains three selections from Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle. This selection contains:
1. Patagonia ★★★★★
2. Tierra del Fuego ★★★★
3. Strait of Magellan ★★★★
It does make me want to devote a bit of time in 2021 to read more Darwin. I've read The Origin of Species and own a copy of the Voyage of the Beagle, but just haven't gotten to reading it. It was fascinating reading these selections so shortly after reading Hakluyt's The Voyage of Sir Francis Drake Around the Whole Globe. They both hit several of the same points highlighted here (Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, etc). It was fascinating watching how the same places and people are perceived by pirate explorers vs naturalist explorers. Obviously there is also a bit of time involved, but still...it does make me love Darwin just a bit more.
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February 6, 2017
A wonderful, delightful extract from Charles Darwin's notes he took whilst on board the Beagle. His writing is akin to prose, the way it drives, flows and rolls over the page. His journey was interesting and you can clearly see his deep love of what he is writing about.
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September 9, 2020
3.5 Stars
I have never read On the Origin of Species. However, I was glad that some of Darwin's writing had made the Little Black Classics. These are a part of his notes that he took while on Beagle trying to prove the evolution theory. As such it provides not only biology, but also remarks on exploring and life aboard a ship like the Beagle.
I found this an interesting and surprisingly readable short read. And hopefully, one day I will read On the Origin of Species.
~Little Black Classics #67~
Find this and other reviews on my blog https://www.urlphantomhive.com
I have never read On the Origin of Species. However, I was glad that some of Darwin's writing had made the Little Black Classics. These are a part of his notes that he took while on Beagle trying to prove the evolution theory. As such it provides not only biology, but also remarks on exploring and life aboard a ship like the Beagle.
I found this an interesting and surprisingly readable short read. And hopefully, one day I will read On the Origin of Species.
~Little Black Classics #67~
Find this and other reviews on my blog https://www.urlphantomhive.com
September 21, 2025
HMS Beagle’ın ikinci seferi, temelde Britanya Donanması’na ait bu geminin Güney Amerika kıyılarını haritalandırmak amacıyla düzenlediği bir keşif gezisi. 27 Aralık 1831’de Plymouth’tan yola çıkan gemi, planlanan iki yıllık sürenin aksine, neredeyse beş yıl süren bir macera ile 2 Ekim 1836’da İngiltere’ye geri döner. Bu yolculukta, 22 yaşındaki genç bir bilim insanı da vardır: Charles Darwin.
Darwin, yolculuğun yaklaşık üçte ikisini, yani üç yıl üç ayı karada keşif yaparak geçirir; kalan 18 ayı ise denizde yol alır. Darwin’in gemideki gözlemleri, evrim teorisinin temelini oluşturan doğal seçilim fikrinin şekillenmesine büyük katkı sağlar. Rota, Güney Amerika’dan Galapagos Adaları’na, oradan Tahiti, Yeni Zelanda, Avustralya ve Güney Afrika’ya uzanır. Darwin bu duraklarda 1.500’den fazla yeni tür örneği toplar; fosiller, volkanik yapılar ve tür dağılımları üzerine detaylı incelemeler yapar. Gözlemlerini, düşüncelerini ve notlarını Beagle Yolculuğu adlı kitabında bir araya getirir. Patagonya, Tierra del Fuego ve Macellan Boğazı’ndaki deneyimlerini içeren bölüm "Lapa Lapa Kelebek Yağıyordu" adıyla basılmış.. (Mürettebat Kuzey Patagonya’daki San Blas Körfezi yakınlarında gökyüzünde sürüler halinde uçan kelebekleri görünce “lapa lapa kelebek yağıyor” diye haykırır).
Kitapta, Darwin'in canlılar hakkındaki detaylı gözlemleri ve bunları aktarabilme yeteneği dikkat çekiyor. Etkileyici tasvirler mevcut. Türler hakkındaki biyolojik gözlem ve çıkarımlar ağırlıkta olduğu için her okuyucu için ilgi çekici gelmeyebilir. Açıkçası ben de daha çok Patagonya ve Tierra del Fuego ilgimi çektiği için okudum. Bu açıdan Yahgan/Yamana yerlileri ile karşılaşma ve Jemmy Button (HMS Beagle'ın birinci seferinde İngiltere'ye kaçırılan ve İngiltere'de eğitim verilip "uygarlık" yayması için tekrar Tierra del Fuego'ya bırakılan bir yerli) gözlemleri daha fazla ilgimi çekti diyebilirim.
Darwin, yolculuğun yaklaşık üçte ikisini, yani üç yıl üç ayı karada keşif yaparak geçirir; kalan 18 ayı ise denizde yol alır. Darwin’in gemideki gözlemleri, evrim teorisinin temelini oluşturan doğal seçilim fikrinin şekillenmesine büyük katkı sağlar. Rota, Güney Amerika’dan Galapagos Adaları’na, oradan Tahiti, Yeni Zelanda, Avustralya ve Güney Afrika’ya uzanır. Darwin bu duraklarda 1.500’den fazla yeni tür örneği toplar; fosiller, volkanik yapılar ve tür dağılımları üzerine detaylı incelemeler yapar. Gözlemlerini, düşüncelerini ve notlarını Beagle Yolculuğu adlı kitabında bir araya getirir. Patagonya, Tierra del Fuego ve Macellan Boğazı’ndaki deneyimlerini içeren bölüm "Lapa Lapa Kelebek Yağıyordu" adıyla basılmış.. (Mürettebat Kuzey Patagonya’daki San Blas Körfezi yakınlarında gökyüzünde sürüler halinde uçan kelebekleri görünce “lapa lapa kelebek yağıyor” diye haykırır).
Kitapta, Darwin'in canlılar hakkındaki detaylı gözlemleri ve bunları aktarabilme yeteneği dikkat çekiyor. Etkileyici tasvirler mevcut. Türler hakkındaki biyolojik gözlem ve çıkarımlar ağırlıkta olduğu için her okuyucu için ilgi çekici gelmeyebilir. Açıkçası ben de daha çok Patagonya ve Tierra del Fuego ilgimi çektiği için okudum. Bu açıdan Yahgan/Yamana yerlileri ile karşılaşma ve Jemmy Button (HMS Beagle'ın birinci seferinde İngiltere'ye kaçırılan ve İngiltere'de eğitim verilip "uygarlık" yayması için tekrar Tierra del Fuego'ya bırakılan bir yerli) gözlemleri daha fazla ilgimi çekti diyebilirim.
May 3, 2016
I´m extremely interested in Charles Darwin, his life, studies and theories. He was an incredible man and I respect him a lot especially since I hope to be a biologist myself in the future. Darwin´s writing is beautiful and his observations clever. I felt like I was right there with him on his voyage, exploring Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. I did however have some trouble with the language and I will reread this in the future in order to understand every word.
February 6, 2022
Bu kitapta Darwin'in Beagle serüveni boyunca aldığı notlardan parçalar bir araya getirilmiş. Patagonya, Tierra del Fuego ve Macellan Boğazı'ndaki anılarına ait kısa kısa anlatılar bunlar. Darwin'in hayvan ve bitkilere olan ilgisi kadar bahsi geçen coğrafyalarda yaşayan yerli halklara olan ilgisi de bu anlatıların odağında konumlanıyor. Günlük tadında olan bu kısa metni okuması ve anlaması kolay. Konuya ilgisi olanlar için de bir girizgah niteliğinde diyebiliriz. Ancak! Ne yazık ki bir miktar - oldukça fazla bir miktar - hayal kırıklığı da yaşadığım aşikar. Neden mi? Buyrunuz...
Darwin'e eskiden beri olan ilgim nedeniyle ve de kapak tasarımına bayılarak almıştım bu kitabı. Bu arada kapak tasarımı gerçekten çok iyi, Ferhat Akbaba'ya ait. Ancak, bana kalırsa, bir araya geliş biçimleri nedeniyle bu metinler bütünü görmemize yardımcı olmuyor. Eksiltili bir anlatıma sürükleniyoruz.
Başıyla sonuyla, yolculuk sonundaki edinimleri ile Beagle serüveni oldukça kritik öneme sahip bir yolculuk. Bu yolculuğu bilmeyenler için - ne yazık ki - bu metnin çok yetersiz ve eksik kalacağını, bu nedenle de, okurları tatmin etmeyeceğini düşünüyorum. Keşke Darwin hakkında, bu serüvene neden çıktığı hakkında da anlatımların olduğu yerler bu kitaba eklenmiş olsaydı.
Kitaplarla kalın!
Darwin'e eskiden beri olan ilgim nedeniyle ve de kapak tasarımına bayılarak almıştım bu kitabı. Bu arada kapak tasarımı gerçekten çok iyi, Ferhat Akbaba'ya ait. Ancak, bana kalırsa, bir araya geliş biçimleri nedeniyle bu metinler bütünü görmemize yardımcı olmuyor. Eksiltili bir anlatıma sürükleniyoruz.
Başıyla sonuyla, yolculuk sonundaki edinimleri ile Beagle serüveni oldukça kritik öneme sahip bir yolculuk. Bu yolculuğu bilmeyenler için - ne yazık ki - bu metnin çok yetersiz ve eksik kalacağını, bu nedenle de, okurları tatmin etmeyeceğini düşünüyorum. Keşke Darwin hakkında, bu serüvene neden çıktığı hakkında da anlatımların olduğu yerler bu kitaba eklenmiş olsaydı.
Kitaplarla kalın!
April 24, 2017
This is a good quick way to get familiar with Darwin. His writing is so peculiar that it takes a bit of time to get invested. This small book can hopefully allow one to enjoy more when one reads Darwin's major work. He takes us on a journey and he is great at describing nature, but sometimes the words felt too much: pictures might have greatly enhanced the experience.
November 29, 2021
Lapa Lapa Kelebek Yağıyordu, Charles Darwin'in henüz bir doğa bilimci iken katılmış olduğu 5 yıllık dünya seyahatinde (HMS Beagle gemisiyle), aldığı notları ve yaptığı bilimsel gözlemleri içeriyor. Günlük-anlatı şeklinde yazılan bu kitap Darwin'in gözünden olaylara bakmamızı sağlıyor ve bizler de bu yolculuğa bu büyük isimle beraber ortak oluyoruz. Kullandığı terimler ve not aldığı canlı türleri de bu yolculuk esnasında oldukça güzel ve anlaşılır bir biçimde aktarılıyor. Aynı zamanda onlarca canlı türünü karşılaştırmalı olarak (benzer familyalar ve canlıları) tanıyor ve bu canlıların özelliklerini öğreniyoruz.
Okur olarak girdiğim bu okuldan, şimdi bir zooloji mezunu olarak ayrılıyorum. :)
Okur olarak girdiğim bu okuldan, şimdi bir zooloji mezunu olarak ayrılıyorum. :)
September 30, 2020
4/5
Darwin hakkında evrim kuramının kurucusu olması haricinde bildiğim pek bir şey yok. Yani yazar hakkındaki bildiklerim ders kitapları ile sınırlı. Böyle bir kitabı olduğunu da asla bilmiyordum tabii ki. Can Yayınları’nın kısa klasikleri sayesinde keşfedip bir çay molası sırasında çarçabuk okuyuverdiğim güzel bir kitaptı. Darwin’in çıktığı yolculukta gördüğü ve kaleme aldığı her canlıyı sanki görür gibi oldum okurken. Kısacık ama keyifli bir kitaptı.
Darwin hakkında evrim kuramının kurucusu olması haricinde bildiğim pek bir şey yok. Yani yazar hakkındaki bildiklerim ders kitapları ile sınırlı. Böyle bir kitabı olduğunu da asla bilmiyordum tabii ki. Can Yayınları’nın kısa klasikleri sayesinde keşfedip bir çay molası sırasında çarçabuk okuyuverdiğim güzel bir kitaptı. Darwin’in çıktığı yolculukta gördüğü ve kaleme aldığı her canlıyı sanki görür gibi oldum okurken. Kısacık ama keyifli bir kitaptı.
October 5, 2016
A fairly interesting and quick read - although it confirms what I possibly should have known, that I am more interested in how Darwin's theories affected Victorian culture than in his biological writings themselves...
March 16, 2019
I’d already read and enjoyed Darwin before because I picked up The Origin of Species back in the day. These were his diaries from on board the Beagle’s iconic voyage, so worth reading.
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February 22, 2021Çocuğun merakına benzer dış dünyaya ait yoğunlaşmış derin bir gözle karşılaşmak için okudum.
May 13, 2022
The only book I read in April. A really short read, but it took me an entire month because I was preparing for my finals!
It takes your through a couple of Darwin's and the Beagle's voyages. His descriptions of the things he saw makes you wonder how good of a novelist he could have been.
It takes your through a couple of Darwin's and the Beagle's voyages. His descriptions of the things he saw makes you wonder how good of a novelist he could have been.
May 13, 2015
A score of 4/5 may seem churlish and I must calibrate by explaining that it is not an assessment of the book's worth but rather a judgement of how much I enjoyed reading it, which is a naturally partisan and individual thing. An assessment of value would be incalculable as Darwin here begins making steps towards his huge discoveries with his razor sharp observations of wildlife and people. He postulates about how bones end up clustered together and the word "adaptation," while not breathed here, is only a tantalising thought away. In terms of drama the book is strictly non-fiction. And that is where it loses its leisurely reader a little. Not that I would have it any different - a high speed chase might enliven it but wouldn't improve it. It is just not the sort of thing I usually go for, that's all.
August 27, 2016
This was just a fine read. I found it really difficult to follow because so many names *cough* latin names for animals *cough* were in this book that I did not know. Darwin is trying to paint a picture of the things that he is seeing and I think that his story would greatly improve if drawings had been added. The one story in which these animal names weren't so heavily featured was also the one that I enjoyed the most. I will probably pick up the whole book at some point in my life. When I do however, I will keep google open on my phone so that I can look up all those animals that Darwin is talking about.
March 5, 2015
Really enjoyed this. Somehow I had this prejudice against Darwin's writing style but in these extracts from The Voyage of the Beagle, he sounds really engaging. Yes, there is a lot of specialised vocabulary but this doesn't detract from his recollections. On the contrary, the world seems to be a lot more interesting through his eyes. Might get tempted now to read him properly.
September 6, 2015
Whilst it is a bit wordy, I found this short collection of excerpts from Darwin's "Voyage of the Beagle" interesting. It covers a range of topics - biology, geology and anthropology as well as simple observations.
September 19, 2020
I didn’t know Darwin wrote so fluent and interesting even though it’s like a diary log. Anyway, it was an interesting short read that gave me a taste of his adventures, which is pretty refreshing in these times of corona.
March 11, 2015
I wish I were an explorer.
September 2, 2020
The name of Captain Fitzroy came up in a University Challenge quiz and I recognised it thanks to this book! But seriously this account gives a glimpse into one of the most significant scientific minds. He's so methodical in his descriptions and deductions I can see why my A level Biology teacher held him in such high esteem. I'm sure I'd enjoy The Origin of Species more because this is more like the random musings of his trip on the Beagle rather than that formulated argument on evolution.
Darwin is constantly theorising and using evidence and anecdotes that add to the mysteries of the sights around him, from bioluminescence to the flight of spiders. As with any good scientific reading, illustrations even in an appendix would have been mighty useful.
The most uncomfortable chapter is the second, which highlights how even this scientific mind, though descriptive of customs and mannerisms, is still somewhat demeaning and prejudiced towards the local Fuegians. But this section is mercifully short and still somewhat insightful beneath its judgement against the "uncivilised".
Darwin is constantly theorising and using evidence and anecdotes that add to the mysteries of the sights around him, from bioluminescence to the flight of spiders. As with any good scientific reading, illustrations even in an appendix would have been mighty useful.
The most uncomfortable chapter is the second, which highlights how even this scientific mind, though descriptive of customs and mannerisms, is still somewhat demeaning and prejudiced towards the local Fuegians. But this section is mercifully short and still somewhat insightful beneath its judgement against the "uncivilised".
September 2, 2024
This volume compiles short snippets of Charles Darwin’s notes aboard the Beagle, originally published in Voyage of the Beagle. The first part, composed of some of Darwin’s journal entries written while passing through Patagonia, opens with the ship being swarmed by a great number of butterflies. This is surprising because they are so far from land. Darwin’s inquiring mind is relentless. He wonders how this and that species can subsist in certain extreme conditions. He explores hypotheses about the preservation of the huge extinct mammals’ corpses and what led to their extinction. One does not have to be a biologist to enjoy these passages; there is adventure, the unexpected, and great beauty. I may have to pick up the full version of his travelogue sooner or later.
October 14, 2017
This little book contains extracts from Darwin's diary, 'The Voyage of the Beagle'. The accounts lose something in their isolation from the rest of the journal, but give a good taster of Darwin's experiences.
For me, the most interesting extract was regarding the natives of Tierra del Fuego, whom Darwin describes as 'savages'. The piece displays the assumed superiority of Europeans above other people, and we see Darwin treat the natives as specimens to be studied, rather than fellow humans capable of sharing knowledge.
This book on its own will not leave a lasting impression, but could serve as a good introduction to Darwin's writings in full.
For me, the most interesting extract was regarding the natives of Tierra del Fuego, whom Darwin describes as 'savages'. The piece displays the assumed superiority of Europeans above other people, and we see Darwin treat the natives as specimens to be studied, rather than fellow humans capable of sharing knowledge.
This book on its own will not leave a lasting impression, but could serve as a good introduction to Darwin's writings in full.
June 15, 2019
This are two chapters from his written journal when he travelled around Patagonia in 1832-1883.
His writing is beautiful and poetic in parts.
Very interesting to get a glimpse into Darwin‘s mind! And seeing how he perceived his surroundings and as he describes the animals and the plant vegetation. You can read that he’s loving his expeditions.
Also very interesting to read how they befriended some American Indians.
His writing is beautiful and poetic in parts.
Very interesting to get a glimpse into Darwin‘s mind! And seeing how he perceived his surroundings and as he describes the animals and the plant vegetation. You can read that he’s loving his expeditions.
Also very interesting to read how they befriended some American Indians.
May 27, 2024
Excerpts from Voyage of the Beagle which I had already read a couple times. Mostly they picked interesting bits that show his scientific thinking but there is also an extended passage, more than 2 pages, of him being racist about meeting a particular group of Indigenous people. Which if you squint at it really hard you can imagine them without all his cruddy interpretations layered on.... But still it seems like a weird choice to include that, as edited selections go...
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