Charles Darwin

Children's Literature

Charles Darwin influenced decisively the scientific thought of his time and changed forever our view of ourselves. Nardo has written a simplified but absorbing account of Darwin's life and work, starting with his background and early influences, including his learned grandfather, Doctor Erasmus Darwin. The turning point of young Charles's life was his experience as naturalist on the world-encircling voyage of the HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836. After the publication of his diary of the trip Darwin became famous, although he shunned celebrity and preferred a quiet life of study and research, leading ultimately to his great work on evolution and natural selection, The Origin of Species (1859). Readers will be intrigued to discover that another researcher, Alfred Wallace, was working on the same ideas and nearly beat him into print. (Darwin, always modest and gracious, gave Wallace full credit for his work.) Nardo's account of reactions to Origins—and Darwin's painstaking answers to all objections—is well-told and will be inspiring for budding scientists, as will Darwin's persistence in his work despite increasing debilitation from a tropical disease probably contracted during the Beagle's voyage. Of necessity, the illustrations include many black-and-white photographs of stern-looking bearded old men in stiff attire, but visual appeal for younger readers might have been enhanced by printing maps, reproductions of portraits, and modern photos in color. Notes, a time line, and a good bibliography will add to the usefulness of this volume in the "Importance Of" series. 2005, Lucent, Ages 12 to 16.
—Barbara L. Talcroft

KLIATT

Greenhaven Press puts together anthologies that cover history and public events in a wide variety of ways. The People Who Made History series is a fine addition to their catalogue. The plan follows other Greenhaven projects: The books have four or five chapters each, which include three to six excerpted essays and can be used by students in grades 9-12. Individual pieces run anywhere from two to ten pages each. Each section and each item has introductory material. This series also includes an appendix of document excerpts. The mixed focus on the personal life and public issues and controversies is effectively handled here. The use of a person to make a historical period come alive in rich depth is accomplished with real skill and finesse. (People Who Made History) KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2000, Greenhaven. illus, bibliog, 240p, 23cm, $17.45. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Daniel J. Levinson; History & English Teacher, Thayer Acad., Braintree, MA, July 2000 (Vol. 34 No. 4)