On the Origin of Species

A new, deluxe hardcover edition of one of the most important scientific works ever written

In December 1831, Charles Darwin boarded theHMS Beagle, accompanying her crew on a five-year journey that crossed the Atlantic Ocean to survey the coasts of South America. As the expeditions geologist and naturalist, Darwin collected evidence from the Galapagos Islands and other locations which prompted him to speculate that species evolve over generations through a process of natural selection. In 1859, Darwin publishedOn the Origin of Species,a work of scientific literature considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology. His revolutionary work presented evidence from theBeagle expedition as well as from years of subsequent research and experimentation.

Written for non-specialists, Darwins book gained widespread interest from the scientific community, religious leaders, politicians and the general public. The theory Darwin presented in his book quickly became the subject of heated debate and discussion. Now accepted by the scientific community, Darwins concepts of evolutionary adaptation via natural selection are central to modern evolutionary theory and form the foundation of modern life sciences. Perhaps the most transformative scientific volume ever published, this volume of the first edition ofOn the Origin of Species:

• Outlines Darwins ideas, scientific influences and the core of his theory
• Details natural selection and address possible objections to the theory
• Examines the fossil record and biogeography to support evolutionary adaptation
• Features a "Recapitulation and Conclusion" which reviews key concepts and considers the future relevance of Darwins theory

On the Origin of Species: The Science Classicis an important addition to the bestsellingCapstone Classics series edited by Tom Butler-Bowdon. It includes an insightful Introduction from leading Darwin scholar Dr John van Wyhe of the University of Singapore, which presents new research and an offers an original perspective on Darwin and his famous work.

This high-quality, hardcover volume is a must-have for readers interested in science and scientific literature, particularly evolutionary theory and life sciences.

Charles Darwinwas an English naturalist, geologist and biologist. He is best known for his work in evolutionary science and for his immense contribution to knowledge of life on Earth. His revolutionaryOn the Origin of Species introduced the concept of "natural selection" as the basic mechanism of evolution, and is viewed as one of the most influential works of scientific literature ever written.

John van Wyheis a historian of science at the National University of Singapore, specialising in Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. He is the founder and Director of Darwin Online (http://darwin-online.org.uk/). Dr van Wyhe has published eleven books and lectures and broadcasts around the world.

Tom Butler-Bowdonis series editor for the Capstone Classics series. He has written Introductions for Capstone editions of Plato'sThe Republic, Machiavelli'sThe Prince, Adam Smith'sThe Wealth of Nations, Sun Tzu'sThe Art of War, Lao Tzu'sTao Te Ching, and Napoleon Hill'sThink and Grow Rich. Tom is the author of the 50 Classics series and is a graduate of the London School of Economics and the University of Sydney. www.Butler-Bowdon.com

An Introduction byJohn van Wyhe vii

AboutJohn van Wyhe xxv

AboutTom Butler-Bowdon xxv

On the Origin of Species 1