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Darwin's Armada: Four Voyages And The Battle For The Theory Of Evolution (2009)

by Iain McCalman(Favorite Author)

4.28 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0393068145 (ISBN13: 9780393068146)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

W. W. Norton & Company

review 1: Darwin's Armada, is a marvelous narrative of the lives of four men: Charles Darwin, Thomas Huxley, Joseph Hooker and Alfred Wallace.Iain McCalman offers not an insight or analysis of the theory of evolution per se, but instead he gives us the fascinating history behind these great pioneer scientists in which you will delight yourself with exciting vivid experiences during their voyages, their struggles, their emotions and feelings as well as the invaluable friendship that eventually formed among all of them on their adventure that led them to what is now the central dogma of biology: the Theory of Evolution. Charles Darwin, the man behind the Origin of Species, The Descent of Man and Voyage of the Beagle among others, continues to be an inspiration of so many scientists, i... morencluding myself. Darwin revolutionized our view of man and, without intending to, challenged the Intelligent Design of Creationists defying faith through reason and observation with a simple and elegant theory of natural selection: “There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.” Thomas Huxley, a biologist, paleontologist and a social philosopher was at the beginning skeptical of Origins but afterwards became one of the strongest supporters standing up for his friend whenever he couldn't attend a debate; he later became known as Darwin's bulldog. Huxley was also was strongly against black slavery and subordination of woman. His personality was very amusing and enjoyable to read. In response to Richard Owen at the Oxford debate, where Huxley was asked whether it was though his grandmother's or grandfather's side that he was related to an ape, he said: 'I rather have a miserable ape for a grandfather' than a man 'possessed of great means of influence & yet employs..... that influence for the mere purpose of introducing ridicule into a great scientific discussion..... I would rather be an ape than a bishop"Joseph Hooker, a botanist and biogeographer, was another of Darwin's warrior an loyal friend. Knowing of Wallace work, Hooker came in support to help Darwin win the race to publish and take full credit of his theory before Wallace. Was this the result of a real friend or a high class conspiracy against the work of Wallace? You can find a wide array of opinions on this matter in many different biographies.Finally, Alfred Wallace, the shy lower-class cutout naturalist without the influence or the name prestige of someone as Darwin or his friends. I admit not to have been fully familiar with Alfred Wallace contribution on the theory, except knowing that he wrote a paper around the same time as Darwin did. Anyways, I ended up having an enormous admiration for his persona, his intellect and passion on his work as a naturalist and the humility and respect with which he accepted and replied to Darwin when finding out that he was not the first one to come up with the idea on natural selection. Wallace was very proud to call himself Darwin's knight. I think Darwin's Armada was beautiful and very pleasant to read throughout the entire book and made me have greater respect and admiration of the work behind these men. It is one of those books, that your interest increases along with your reading, it captivates you. If you are an admirer of Darwin, Wallace and the Theory of Evolution...this is a book you don't want to miss! It is a simple, well-written and an elegant narrative denoting an impressive research by the author on each one of these great men with a unique perspective and about friendship. Darwin said: “A mans friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.” Definitely, I will enjoy reading Darwin's Armada and about these "X-ers" again. “The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.” ― Charles Darwin
review 2: This is a stimulating view of what it took to be a scientist in the nineteenth century. By dint of hard physical labour, acute observation and a very accurate summary of what is meant by "survival of the fittest" Professor McCalman describes the characteristics of the great observing naturalists who, along with Charles Darwin himself did for the biological sciences what Isacc Newton, Hooke and Boyle had done for the physical sciences two hundred years before. They based their conclusions not on prior writings or upon religious dogma, but upon careful annotated observation and note taking together with written descriptions of their observations, theories and tests of these latter. THis a beautiful evocation of the hardships, rewards and heartbreak deriving from messing about in wooden boats in tropical climes. The rapid deterioration of specimens, the preservation even of records of observation and further facts attributable to the weather, and the unseaworthiness of their vessel. The Navy were helpful but not generous in aiding scientific progress but these problems were overcome with determination, courage and a strong vision of what should be discovered. I loved this book and will have to look at McCalman's other works. In fact I watched a documentary including him on the famous debate pn Evolution and Creation with Huxley and Wilberforce as the protagonists but the lack mof human voice tracks was extremely detrimental. less

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