The Cambridge Companion to the 'Origin of Species'

This Companion commemorates the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of Species and examines all of its main arguments.

Michael Ruse (Edited by), Robert J. Richards (Author)

9780521691291, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 24 November 2008

424 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.4 cm, 0.62 kg

'… a respectable overview on a multitude of fronts from some of the most influential researchers in the field. This is nothing less than a precious treat. The Companion is the fruit of an ambitious yet equally prudent endeavour … a valuable text … on Darwin's most important book and its multidimensional influence …' Science and Education

The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin is universally recognised as one of the most important science books ever written. The Origin of Species is also a work of great cultural and religious significance, in that Darwin maintained that all organisms, including humans, are part of a natural process of growth from simple forms. This Companion commemorates the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of Species and examines its main arguments. Drawing on the expertise of leading authorities in the field, it also provides the contexts - religious, social, political, literary, and philosophical - in which the Origin was composed. Written in a clear and friendly yet authoritative manner, this volume will be essential reading for both scholars and students. More broadly, it will appeal to general readers who want to learn more about one of the most important and controversial books of modern times.

1. The origin of the Origin Michael Ruse
2. Darwin's analogy between natural and artificial selection Mark Largent
3. Variation and inheritance Robert Olby
4. Darwin's theory of natural selection and its moral purpose Robert J. Richards
5. Originating species: Darwin on the species problem Philip Sloan
6. Darwin's keystone: the principle of divergence David Kohn
7. Darwin's difficulties Abigail Lustig
8. Darwin's geology and his perspective on the fossil record Sandra Herbert and David Norman
9. Geographical distribution Peter Bowler
10. Classification Richard Richards
11. Embryology and morphology Lynn K. Nyhart
12. Darwin's botany in On the Origin of Species Vassiliki Betty Smocovitis
13. The rhetoric of the Origin of Species David Depew
14. 'Laws impressed on matter by the Creator'? The Origin and the question of religion John Hedley Brooke
15. 'Lineal Descendants': the Origin's literary progeny Gillian Beer
16. The Origin and political thought: from liberalism to Marxism Naomi Beck
17. The Origin and philosophy Tim Lewens
18. The Origin of Species as a book Michèle Kohler and Chris Kohler.

Subject Areas: Evolution [PSAJ], Biology, life sciences [PS], History of science [PDX], Philosophy of science [PDA]