The Descent of Man: and Selection in Relation to Sex

Meer over het boek

Applying his controversial theory of evolution to human origins, Charles Darwin's work was the culmination of his life's research. This Penguin Classics edition is edited by James Moore and Adrian Desmond. In The Origin of Species, Darwin avoided discussing human evolution, deeming it too fraught with prejudice. After years of reworking his notes, he published The Descent of Man in 1871, which controversially placed apes in our family tree and proposed that all races belong to one family, differentiated by 'sexual selection.' This theory suggests that female choice among males leads to diverse racial traits. Sigmund Freud deemed it one of the ten most significant books ever written, and it continues to influence our understanding of humanity. Moore and Desmond advocate for a radical reassessment of the text, noting that its views on race were shaped by Darwin's opposition to slavery. This definitive second edition includes further reading suggestions, a chronology, and biographical sketches of notable figures. Charles Darwin (1809-82), a renowned Victorian scientist, fundamentally challenged the biological and religious beliefs of his time with his earlier work, On the Origin of Species. If you appreciated this work, you may also enjoy Darwin's On the Origin of Species, available in Penguin Classics.