On the origin of species

Do not buy the "Gold Edition!" This is NOT the complete book. It is missing the last half of the book. There are 14 chapters in On The Origin Of Species. This book abruptly ends mid-sentence on the first page of chapter 9.

It's easy to read this and judge it, both because the text is outdated, the science is outdated, the book is full of contraindications to counteract possible backlash and arguments, and is therefore no longer truly relevant or contextual in the modern sense. Yet, it is a classic work contributing to quite a bit of our modern understanding of evolution. It does, however, raise several points that require modern contention, such as our current understanding of the evolution of man, the undoubted falseness of one "race" of man being the more advanced in evolution, etc.Nevertheless, it remains impossible to read this work without being impressed by Darwin's knowledge of geology and botany, the extent of personal experimentation and study, and achieving all that he did through little more than scientific observation.

I finally got around to reading this famous scientific work. I have to say that I'm impressed with his clarity, logic, and scientific ability. He's blessed with a curiosity that is unbounded and the ability to test out all kinds of things using the scientific method.It's interesting how research worked back in the mid-19th century. He didn't have Google and even if he did, most scientists back then hadn't asked the questions he was asking. For example, he wondered how seed could be transported across oceans; he concocted experiments to see if seeds would float in the ocean for a long period of time and still germinate. He also wondered if mud on birds feet would contain seeds; so he captured some birds and checked out the mud on their feet. There are many other examples where he did this sort of thing.He also structured this book to answer all of the possible criticisms to his theories and did a very good job. He effectively cited the work of other scientists. I found this book a joy to read and see how the mind of a great scientist works. It's refreshing to see a scientist go against the consensus and powerfully support his radical new theory.This book is highly recommended for everyone. It is eminently readable and convincing.This book is controversial since there are many people that feel it is anti-God. I don't think so; to me, it simply shows that God did not create each and every species from 'nothing'. God is more like a farmer than a conjurer. I would think that the amazing versatility of life and its ability to adapt shows something that seems hard to imagine coming together by mere chance.

Yes, a bit difficult to get through and this prevents my giving 5 stars. But this is because Darwin anticipates a backlash from the creationists of his day and is intent upon answering every possible objection that may raise, in great detail. However, it is always best to read the words of the original writer and not a summary, even one by a writer attuned to modern literary styles. The reader cannot fail to be impressed by Darwin's command of contemporary studies in geology, botany, and zoology, and with his assiduous personal investigations including the careful experiments that he conducts.This is all for 99 cents. This one may not be the best Kindle version; it includes no illustrations. Not sure about others; but although the illustrations would be nice I don't think you're going to miss them very much.

This classic needs no introduction. It is mandatory reading for anyone pretending to know anything about the life sciences. Fortunately, Darwin was a gifted writer. It is very accessible. There is ample human interest in his personal experiences, whether sailing around the world on the HMS Beagle, exchanging correspondence with the leading minds of his day, or engaging his ever-curious mind in conversation with all whom he encountered in life.Don't be afraid to give it to adolescents. I found a musty old volume in the UC Berkeley library at the age of fifteen and was fascinated. It is now, via Amazon and the Internet, much more accessible. Do it!

I have been aware of this landmark book for many years now. As a budding biologist I decided I should finally read it. Darwin uses example after example to make his point, with extensive language around each of his arguments. His only tool of science is observation, and as such he lists a lot of observations. While fascinating to follow his logic as he drew his conclusions, I found the detail and thoroughness tiring at times. As such it was difficult for me to read this book in one sitting. I found I had to read a chapter at a time and then take a break.It was interesting for me to have this window back in time, to see how scientists of years past examined their world and drew their conclusions. The rigorous science of today uses mathematics and statistics to back up claims. Darwin just observed, and organized those observations.All in all it was worth a few Saturday afternoons flipping through the pages.

Charles Darwin’s On the Origin Species written in the 1850s presents the theory of natural selection in an attempt to explain the complex relations between animals and plants both existing and extinct. Darwin’s theories are formed based on his voyage on the Beagle expedition, later research and correspondence with experts in various fields.The starting chapters introduce the theory of natural selection, explaining why certain species thrive, while others decrease in number, how the members of nature are in competition with each other and why organisms tend to vary and change with time. Much of this work is based on experiments and observations seen within domestic animals and plants.The later chapters defend the theory of natural selection against apparent inconsistencies, why geological records are incomplete, why we find species so widespread and how sterility can be inherited when the organisation is unable to reproduce and more.The book is approachable for any audience, though the language is naturally dated. Having read the book, one can really appreciate the complex relations in the world and the individuals within it. Though the theory of natural selection is easy to accept, many thought provoking difficulties within the book really make it interesting. Well worth reading.

I suppose everybody should read this, it is so important and some key details are still little known. It is quite readable but it does start getting a bit obsessive half way through - presumably because Darwin had to ensure he covered everything that he could, to address as many arguments as practical.Interesting and well worth reading. It will help you understand how much thought and work Darwin and others put into this vitally important work. What a shame Darwin did not live to see the discovery of DNA.

Beautiful book! Great informative read. Not overpriced. Lovely little addition to have. Would highly recommend. Great service with order and delivery too!

What a brilliant book. I'm halfway through and enjoying every minute. Darwin's introduction in the bok is inspiring and insightful. Thanks to the producers of this book and to Amazon who kindly gave it to us for free.

Although reading and understanding was tough at times, it was worth the struggle. It is shame that the diagram mentioned several times in the book was not included. It made one chapter almost unnecessary to read.