The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

Darwin, Charles

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0141439440 ISBN 13: 9780141439440

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 2009

Synopsis

Published in 1872, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals was a book at the very heart of Darwin's research interests - a central pillar of his 'human' series. This book engaged some of the hardest questions in the evolution debate, and it showed the ever-cautious Darwin at his boldest. If Darwin had one goal with Expression, it was to demonstrate the power of his theories for explaining the origin of our most cherished human qualities: morality and intellect. As Darwin explained, "He who admits, on general grounds, that the structure and habits of all animals have been gradually evolved, will look at the whole subject of Expression in a new and interesting light."

About this title

Review:

" He who admits, on general grounds, that the structure and habits of all animals have been gradually evolved will look at the whole subject of Expression in a new and interesting light."
-Charles Darwin

From the Back Cover:

'The force of language is much aided by the expressive movements of the face and body'

While On the Origin of Species transformed scientific thinking about life on Earth, Darwin kept silent on the most controversial question of his generation: what was man's place in nature? Provoked by critics, Darwin later broke this silence, focusing attention on features central to our humanity: mind and morality. The Expression of the Emotions is an audacious and thought-provoking book. Powerful ideas are hidden behind simple questions. Why are humans alone in blushing? Why do we understand the expressions of so many animals? Why do all humans instinctively understand the meaning of a smile? This was Darwin's last major work. Here are the origins of those qualities we humans hold most dear.

This edition is the rare 1890 second edition of Expression, including notes Darwin made anticipating a revision. Joe Cain's introduction describes the key debates surrounding Darwin, his reasons for producing The Expression of the Emotions and his methods of gathering data. This edition also includes, for the first time, many original striking photographs and line drawings Darwin assembled as part of his research.

Edited by Joe Cain and Sharon Messenger with an introduction by Joe Cain

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0141439440
• ISBN 13: 9780141439440
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 356
• Editor: Messenger Sharon