In 1858, Charles Darwin, a respected gentleman scientist at forty-nine, lived quietly at Down House, with his monumental manuscript on species still unfinished after two decades of research. His cautious nature delayed publication as he sought certainty in his groundbreaking theory of evolution. This biography's concluding volume begins with the events that compelled the "Origin of Species" into print, marking the onset of Darwin's fame and the ensuing controversies. As his ideas gained traction, they sparked intense public debate, drawing both criticism and support from notable figures like Thomas Henry Huxley and Joseph Hooker. Despite the pressures of newfound celebrity, Darwin remained devoted to his family, research, and the serene life he cherished. Janet Browne's account captures the complexities of the Darwinian revolution, detailing the Victorian publishing landscape and the fierce debates between scientists and religious figures. Through her sympathetic portrayal, we witness Darwin as a dedicated researcher grappling with his health while engaging with topics that intrigued him. Browne's mastery of scientific sources offers a nuanced view of Darwin as both a great thinker and a relatable human being, affirming the praise received for her previous volume.
Jane Brown Books
Elizabeth Janet Browne is a British historian of science, renowned for her work on the history of 19th-century biology. Her scholarship delves into the evolution of scientific thought and its cultural implications. She explores how conceptions of life and the natural world transformed, and how these shifts impacted society. Browne's approach to the history of science is grounded in a profound understanding of historical context and scientific discourse.






A Garden & Three Houses
- 136 pages
- 5 hours of reading
A celebration of architect Peter Aldington's village housing in Haddenham in Buckinghamshire.
This concluding volume of Janet Browne's biography covers the transformation in Darwin's life after the first unexpected announcement of the theory of evolution by natural selection and the publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859. schovat popis
Vita's Other World
- 240 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Traces the life of the British writer, focusing on her interest in gardens and garden design, and looks at the gardens of her home, Sissinghurst Castle
Charles Darwin
- 152 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Very definitive, very concise, and very interesting...From William Shakespeare to Winston Churchill, the Very Interesting People series provides authoritative bite-sized biographies of Britain's most fascinating historical figures--people whose influence and importance have stood the test of time.Each book in the series is based upon the biographical entry from the world-famous Oxford Dictionary of National Biography .
Darwin's Origin of Species
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Focusing on the profound impact of "On the Origin of Species," this history reveals its significance as a transformative work in science. Browne, a leading biographer of Charles Darwin, presents a vivid and accessible introduction that explores how this groundbreaking book reshaped our understanding of humanity and evolution. Through detailed insights, readers can appreciate the enduring relevance and brilliance of Darwin's ideas.
The history of modern times will be documented in minute detail in print, on on film, on tapes, and in computer records.
The great 20th century artists played an active, if sometimes private, part in the history of the modern garden. From groups such as De Stijl and the arts and crafts movement, to the artist Le Corbusier, the sculptor Isamu Noguchi, the artist Paul Klee and the landscape Dan Kilet, maojor designers have been engaged in a quest for the perfect modern outdoor space.
Around the World with You
- 150 pages
- 6 hours of reading
An intriguing letter from three brothers leads author Jane Brown to uncover the legacy of their great-great-uncle, Arthur Spiderwick. This comprehensive guide expands on the Spiderwick phenomenon, featuring an introduction and six detailed sections that explore thirty-one faerie species. It caters to both casual readers and dedicated enthusiasts, offering rich insights and concluding with observations from Jared Grace, enhancing the lore surrounding these mythical creatures.
The way to the Dark
- 130 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Set in 1938, the story follows 12-year-old Sheldon Horowitz, who becomes an orphan after a tragic car accident claims his father's life. Relocating to Hartford to live with his strict Uncle Nate, Sheldon grapples with his grief and a burning desire for revenge. Amidst the backdrop of World War II, a hurricane, and a vibrant cultural scene, Sheldon and his cousins, Abe and Mirabelle, along with his friend Lenny, navigate a complex world filled with moral ambiguity, all while Sheldon fixates on avenging his father's death.

