The Descent of Man - Couverture souple

Darwin, Charles

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 1840226986 ISBN 13 : 9781840226980

Editeur : Wordsworth Editions Ltd, 2013

Synopsis

The Descent of Man (Classics of World Literature)

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

With an introduction by Janet Browne, Aramont Professor of the History of Science, Harvard University

In The Descent of Man Darwin addresses many of the issues raised by his notorious Origin of Species: finding in the traits and instincts of animals the origins of the mental abilities of humans, of language, of our social structures and our moral capacities, he attempts to show that there is no clear dividing line between animals and humans. Most importantly, he accounts for what Victorians called the ‘races’ of mankind by means of what he calls sexual selection. This book presents a full explanation of Darwin’s ideas about sexual selection, including his belief that many important characteristics of human beings and animals have emerged in response to competition for mates.

This was a controversial work. Yet Darwin tried hard to avoid being branded as a radical revolutionary. He is steeped in Victorian sensibilities regarding gender and cultural differences: he sees human civilization as a move from barbarous savagery to modern gentlefolk, and women as more emotional and less intellectual than men, thus providing a biological basis for the social assumptions and prejudices of the day. The Descent of Man played a major role in the emergence of social Darwinism.

This complete version of the first edition gives the modern reader an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with Darwin’s proposals, launched in the midst of continuing controversy over On the Origin of Species.

Janet Browne is the author of the prize-winning biography, Charles Darwin: Voyaging and Charles Darwin: The Power of Place.

Biographie de l'auteur

There have been few books written of more significance than The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin (1809 - 1882). Although some of the detail has superseded by subsequent scientific progress, the book remains central to current evolutionary theory.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Wordsworth Editions Ltd
• Date d'édition: 2013
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 1840226986
• ISBN 13: 9781840226980
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 704
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible