The Evolution of Evolution: Darwin, Enlightenment and Scotland - Softcover

Walter Stephen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1906817235 ISBN 13: 9781906817237

Publisher: Luath Press Ltd., 2009

Synopsis

Darwin s theory of evolution was one of the most important developments in modern science, but did the Scots help him get there? November 2009 is the 150 anniversary of the publication of Origin of Species, one of the most influential books of the 19th century. The Evolution of Evolution is an engaging and relevant read for anyone interested in the theory of evolution and the men behind it. "The Evolution of Evolution" examines the influence of little-known publications and people on the development of Darwin s famous theories to explore a new facet of Darwin's life. Combining thorough historical research and social insight, Stephen uncovers previously overlooked facts which show the importance of Scottish ideas and people in Darwin s development. "The Evolution of Evolution" takes a multi-layered approach to history, moving from discussing an important predecessor to Darwin s Origin of Species, The Vestiges of Creation by the Scot Robert Chambers, to analysing episodes from Darwin s life and questioning his motives. Stephen also discusses the contribution other people made to Darwin s theories, both in person and through their own works, finishing by discussing interpretations and developments of Darwin's ideas after his death. By discussing social factors as well as academic or scientific influences, Stephen combines biography with scientific development and shows that understanding the man and the culture in which he lived is vitally important to understanding Darwin s theory. Stephen also highlights the many Scottish scientists and their ideas which have been overlooked by previous commentators, but who were an essential influence on Darwin.

About this title

Review:

The book contains insights into Darwin's links with Scotland from two years he spent at Edinburgh University as a student, his later visits to Scotland and his relationships with leading Scottish scientists. However, Stephen provides a more than historical account; he argues that the Scottish Enlightenment, the natural history of Scotland and several influential Scots profoundly influenced Darwin's development as a scientist and his ideas on evolution ... 'The Evolution of Evolution' is a well researched and thoughtfully written book that recognises the importance of Scotland in the formation of evolutionary thinking and the role of Scots in both mentoring and influencing Charles Darwin throughout his life. --The Scottish Review of Books

About the Author:

As Chairman of the Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust Walter Stephen was responsible for the books Think Global, Act Local and A Vigorous Institution. He has also written a biography on Willie Park Junior and has degrees in Geography, Economic History and Education. One of his achievements was the establishment and operation for twenty years of Castlehill Urban Studies Centre, the first successful Urban Studies Centre in Britain. He currently lives in Edinburgh.

About this edition

• Publisher: Luath Press Ltd.
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1906817235
• ISBN 13: 9781906817237
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128