The Readable Darwin: The Origin of Species, As Edited for Modern Readers

Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species is one of the most influential books ever written, laying a foundation for all modern arguments about organismal diversity. Unfortunately, his writing style is difficult for modern readers to follow. This new book is the product of careful editing of Darwin's sixth and final (1872) edition into more readable prose, with many helpful illustrations added. The goal is to enable students at all levels to read, understand, and enjoy this fascinating and important book. This volume covers the first 8 of The Origin's 15 chapters, focusing on variation, the inheritance of variation, and the action of selection in gradually changing the way that organisms look and behave.