This is an auction for CHARLES DARWIN: VICTORIAN MYTHMAKER by A N Wilson.

“Though Darwin’s all-encompassing theory is now widely regarded as paradigmatic science, Wilson provocatively considers it a quasi-religious credo—like Marx and Engels’ The Communist Manifesto—ultimately doing more to shape political attitudes than to advance scientific understanding…. Sure to spark debate.”

• a *** starred *** review in Booklist (US)

“The prolific novelist and biographer probes the character and controversies of Charles Darwin’s life and the controversial theory that turned the world on its head…. An illuminating new biography of a legendary figure in the scientific world whose legacy continues to draw reappraisals.”

• Kirkus Reviews (US)

Amazon.com review:

"Charles Darwin—hailed as the man who "discovered evolution"—was propelled into the pantheon of great scientific thinkers, alongside Galileo, Copernicus, and Newton. A. N. Wilson offers a groundbreaking critical look at this revered figure in modern science. He argues that Darwin was not an original scientific thinker but a ruthless and determined self-promoter who did not credit the many whose ideas he advanced in his book. Wilson contends that acceptance of Darwin's theory involves a significant leap of faith. The "Survival of the Fittest" was really the Survival of Middle Class families like the Darwins—members of a relatively new economic strata who benefited from the rising Industrial Revolution at the expense of the working classes. It remains to be seen, as this class dies out, whether the Darwinian idea will survive, or whether it, like other Victorian fads, will become a footnote in our intellectual history."

Large format (trade) paperback 2017.

422 pages.

This is a proof (review) copy in new condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.