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Charles Darwin: The Concise Story of an Extraordinary Man
Two hundred years after Charles Darwin's birth (February 12, 1809), this thoroughly illustrated, yet concise biography reveals the great scientist as husband, father, and friend. Tim M. Berra, whose " The Man" lectures are in high demand worldwide, tells the fascinating story of the person and the idea that changed everything. Berra discusses Darwin’s revolutionary scientific work, its impact on modern-day biological science, and the influence of Darwin’s evolutionary theory on Western thought. But Berra digs deeper to reveal Darwin the man by combining anecdotes with carefully selected illustrations and photographs. This small gem of a book includes 20 color plates and 60 black-and-white illustrations, along with an annotated list of Darwin’s publications and a chronology of his life.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1390
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 15, 2022
چه خوشبختیای، وقتی دور و برت آدمهایی مثل جان استیونس هنسلو، آلفرد راسل والاس و... رو داری. جداً شیفتهی شخصیتشون شدم.
February 26, 2023
So I read this for one of my university classes so I did not really choose to pick this up. However, I did end up finding this information really interesting and helpful. I am studying sociology which often references the idea of evolution as applied to social scenarios by Herbert Spencer called social Darwinism. Despite this I found my knowledge of natural selection and evolution to be quite lacking until reading this book. It provided incredible context as to how Charles Darwin’s life facilitated the development of his theories.
The chapters were short which made it easier to get through which is a necessity for textbooks. However, while referred to as concise in the title and the tiny page count, this book held some absolutely irrelevant details to his life. I mean I didn’t need to know about his first romantic crush unless that impacted his life later on (it did not).
Now, where this narrative felt lacking was the almost romantic notion of the figure of Darwin. He felt too perfect in this portrayal, despite being nonfiction this book has a clear protagonist. I did not expect to adore the discussion of his marriage to his first cousin - Emma Wedgewood that much but it really showed how she influenced his conduct with his research.
4 stars. One of the better books I’ve read for a class.
The chapters were short which made it easier to get through which is a necessity for textbooks. However, while referred to as concise in the title and the tiny page count, this book held some absolutely irrelevant details to his life. I mean I didn’t need to know about his first romantic crush unless that impacted his life later on (it did not).
Now, where this narrative felt lacking was the almost romantic notion of the figure of Darwin. He felt too perfect in this portrayal, despite being nonfiction this book has a clear protagonist. I did not expect to adore the discussion of his marriage to his first cousin - Emma Wedgewood that much but it really showed how she influenced his conduct with his research.
4 stars. One of the better books I’ve read for a class.
October 6, 2009
Whoa, talk about concise! This is practically a short story, and can be easily read in a single evening. As such, it provides a highly accessible overview of Charles Darwin's life, touching on all the key points and concentrating primarily on his personal life. Readers wanting more depth will need to go elsewhere, but you can hardly go wrong here for such a small investment of time. I especially liked the reproduction of Darwin's list of reasons why or why not he should be married.
January 23, 2023
Me lo he leído para una clase. Gracias profesor por introducirme el tema de la clase con un libro que si disfrute leer y del que aprendí lo necesario. No tiene ni mas ni menos, es justo lo que se necesita si uno quiere empezar a conocer a Charles Darwin y sus descubrimientos.
May 25, 2019
Definitely concise as it was less than 90 pages and a many photos. I tried reading Origin of Species when I was in high school, between the scientific jargon and old english I knew I'd never finish. I was delighted to come across this concise story of his life. Such a great book. I really enjoyed reading about his life, relationships with other professors and scientists, and how his scientific discoveries came about. He was a wonderful father and husband and truly an extraordinary person who did so much to further the sciences as we know them today.
November 21, 2011
Excellent information in a concise book. Lots of photos to help bring Darwin's life..."to life". Lacks the passion of an excellent biography. To me it was more like reading a long Wikipedia article with photos.
I probably will re-read it because of the concise info.
I probably will re-read it because of the concise info.
October 19, 2023
“Darwin: The Concise Story of an Extraordinary Man” by Tim M. Berra is a captivating book that offers a concise yet informative account of the life and works of Charles Darwin. Berra, a lecturer on the subject, brings his expertise to the forefront, providing readers with a deep understanding of Darwin’s remarkable journey.
One of the notable aspects of this book is the inclusion of original photographs taken by the author himself, showcasing Darwin’s house and other relevant locations. This personal touch adds a unique dimension to the narrative, allowing readers to visualize the environments that shaped Darwin’s thinking.
The book excels in its ability to present complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Berra navigates through Darwin’s theories, including the groundbreaking concept of evolution through natural selection, with precision and clarity. Furthermore, Berra’s meticulous research is evident throughout the book. He provides a remarkable examination of Darwin’s personal and professional life, offering valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs that shaped his journey. The inclusion of historical context adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to understand the societal and intellectual climate in which Darwin lived and worked.
One of the notable aspects of this book is the inclusion of original photographs taken by the author himself, showcasing Darwin’s house and other relevant locations. This personal touch adds a unique dimension to the narrative, allowing readers to visualize the environments that shaped Darwin’s thinking.
The book excels in its ability to present complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Berra navigates through Darwin’s theories, including the groundbreaking concept of evolution through natural selection, with precision and clarity. Furthermore, Berra’s meticulous research is evident throughout the book. He provides a remarkable examination of Darwin’s personal and professional life, offering valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs that shaped his journey. The inclusion of historical context adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to understand the societal and intellectual climate in which Darwin lived and worked.
September 29, 2019
Brief and useful information about Darwin's ideas, the theory of Natural Selection and his related evolutionary concepts, his life and family, and his letters. All in all a good and brief book, but unfortunately the Persian translation has errors.
November 29, 2017
Informative read, but doesn't really go into depth like other novels. This is a good book if you're looking for the quick facts, not so great if your needing research materials that go into depth.
February 11, 2021
This book was much like life: “poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” It read like lecture notes; and any opposing views to that of Darwin were built up as straw men and cast aside.
October 16, 2024
Nice, short, illuminating
Book, though not long, gives us the details of the life of a scientific genius, a man who helped Science leap forward into the future.
Book, though not long, gives us the details of the life of a scientific genius, a man who helped Science leap forward into the future.
July 31, 2015
A barebones biography of Darwin that's really quite superb for what it is. If you want a more in-depth portrait of Darwin the man, then obviously you'll go for a full-length biography, but Berra succeeds in hitting all the right bases and in explaining with admirable succinctness the science and its import. Much recommended -- perhaps to be read alongside another short book that I enjoyed a few years ago, Janet Browne's Darwin's Origin of Species: A Biography.
February 25, 2010
This is a physically small and thin book. It is a terrific overview of Darwin's life and his ideas about the "transmutation of species". The word "evolution" wasn't used by Darwin like we use it today. Wonderful insights into his life & work. Hopefully people will be informed and Darwin and evolution will not be so demonized by some.
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July 25, 2011I am as fascinatied by the man as I am by his accomplishments. This book gives a nice concise summary of his qualities as a doting husband, caring father, curious scientist, thorough experimenter and relisher of thinking in quietude, qualities I'd love to emulate.
June 14, 2009
Live and learn (the survival of the smartest)-- before we all go down the tubes.
April 6, 2011
Wonderful. Got (as in "got") Darwin. Really really short book AND it has pictures AND it is brilliant. Johns Hopskins Press. It has pictures!
July 27, 2011
A short look at the life of Darwin. A good place to begin researching his life and work and an excellent tool to introduce friends and family to the truth of evolution.
November 24, 2012
Definitely concise! A great refresher on all that Charles Darwin did. Highly recommended for anyone interested in knowing something more about this fascinating man.
April 5, 2016
I presume this is intended for a young adult audience. It's serviceable, though bland, and mildly contentious on occasion. One would probably get more from the Wikipedia entry.
July 31, 2016
Interesting insight into the man and his mark on the world
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews