Book Description
A gorgeous gift and a landmark work that is an essential addition to everyone's personal library.
Never before have the four great works of Charles Darwin—Voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle (1845), The Origin of Species (1859), The Descent of Man (1871), and The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals (1872)—been collected under one cover. Undertaking this challenging endeavor 123 years after Darwin's death, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Edward O. Wilson has written an introductory essay for the occasion, while providing new, insightful introductions to each of the four volumes and an afterword that examines the fate of evolutionary theory in an era of religious resistance. In addition, Wilson has crafted a creative new index to accompany these four texts, which links the nineteenth-century, Darwinian evolutionary concepts to contemporary biological thought. Beautifully slipcased, and including restored versions of the original illustrations, From So Simple a Beginning turns our attention to the astounding power of the natural creative process and the magnificence of its products. Slipcased hardcover; 101 illustrations, map.
Customer Reviews:
Can't Beat It.......2007-04-03
I bought this book knowing very little about Darwin or his theories. From So Simple a Beginning was an easy read about a very interesting man. I would hope that not just supporters of evolution would read this book there is more to the man then just one theory.
Four classics.......2007-01-12
Excellent in every particular. Five stars in delivery time, condition, quality of the experience.
Wonderful writing wrong package.......2007-01-10
There is no gainsaying the writings of Darwin or the thinking of my favorite living scientist, E.O.Wilson. But the package is wrong.
Four books in one. Too heavy, too cumbersome. Discouraging.
Too big.......2007-01-05
This book is way too big to hold to read, so it is not useful. From the picture I thought I was ordering 4 different books in a book holder, not one giant book. I recommend buying them separately unless you have very strong arms and wrists.
From So Simple a Beginning: Darwin's Four Great Books (Voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle, The Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, T.......2006-07-02
Good
Book Description
In The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin refused to discuss human evolution, believing the subject too “surrounded with prejudices.” He had been reworking his notes since the 1830s, but only with trepidation did he finally publish The Descent of Man in 1871. The book notoriously put apes in our family tree and made the races one family, diversified by “sexual selection”— Darwin's provocative theory that female choice among competing males leads to diverging racial characteristics. Though less well known than The Origin of Species, The Descent of Man continues to shape the way we think about what it is that makes us uniquely human.
Customer Reviews:
Freed our minds for relativity.......2006-12-12
Just as "Origin of Species is misunderstood, I believe "Descent" to be also, although the latter is a more entertaining read. "Descent" fails to concentrate on man without deviating. It is a book of observations and study. It concentrates on how animal life, has, by sexual selection, brought forth the variety in the species we see today, through millions of years. Darwin covered his beloved pigeons in depth in "Origins" and continues at length on many other bird species in "Descent". I agree with him that all the different types of birds we see today probably came from one ancestor of the pigeon. This is called variation of kind. We see this in just about every living creature and flora. The problem arises when the next step is taken, the rise of one species turning into another (reptile to bird). Throughout the book Darwin does admit to this fact, but he still maintains that it must be, with much difficulty. He does hint to nature having some "power of thought", where does this come from? How does nature make these choices? Why did Darwin focus so on the black tribes: their practices, looks, sexuality, if he did not believe them a lower race? Of course he only hints at this, and his belief of evolving from apes is scant, but obvious. Does not the use of race to distinguish only separate? His theory on idiots as somehow lower is also disturbing. And what of the rudimentary parts and vestigial organs. As we progress in our scientific study we understand more on their uses, and there may be much we will never understand. In the end he gives a poor argument, and a convoluted book.
There is no doubt there is a tremendous amount of work that went into his book. It is a difficult and painful read, although there are many interesting and detailed observations. One does need to know his enemy. Darwin is not the originator of "evolution." There are many who came before him, since the dawn of time. He was influenced by numerous men of his time, some being more radical. Darwin was nothing new, he just maid it "hip." What he started has turned into the secular humanism the world has adopted. I don't think he meant for this disease to spread like it has. From his writings I understand him as an agnostic, but doubtful. I believed he struggled with the possibly of a deist. It is safe to say it was his only ambition till his dying day to prove "evolution" as proof of our existence. What of the missing fossil record?, he new they would be found. He was a confusing man.
150 years later and there still has been no intermediate fossils found to prove the case. In fact we are discovering more that validates creation.
Why don't we see a scale or a feather erupt occasionally on man? Is it because it is not in our DNA, and never was?
The theory of evolution caused Darwin to loose his faith and his experience has been repeated in countless lives. Evolution is an acid that eats away at the mind, a cancer.
One only needs to open the pages to Michael Behe's book, "Darwin's Black Box", to understand the futility of the evolutionary theory. The engines of life at the molecular level are so complex that there leaves no other possibility than a creator of the universe. There should be no excuse.
Charles Darwin: The English Da Vinci and a Valid Heretic........2006-11-28
The 'Descent of Man' is really the better of his two earth-shattering books.He unleashed 'The Origin of the Species' book for the scientific rebels and christian theologians to chew on and debate.And then came ,'Descent of Man', and the book continues to fire mass debates everyday.The other great thinker of his day,was Karl Marx.And both men had their writings misunderstood and exploited by ruthless montebanks.I read some of the reviews for the 'Species' book.For the record,Hitler was an 'Anglo-phobe' and hated anything that was British.Hitler saw the writings of Darwin as 'English-Jewish Non-sense'.Hitler felt that his Aryan people were the true 'children of God',and uniquely seperate from other human pagan races. Hitler was an uneducted insane Christian,who almost enslaved the world with his 'Kernwaffen' and almost imposed his self-styled christian views on the planet.After 150 years of discussion,this Darwin book has freed the minds and hearts for all rational people. And this book continues to irritate the filthy apes that live in darkness and fear.
How is possible that I am the first to review this important book?.......2006-10-31
This book takes off where "Origin of the Species" leaves off. In Origin, Darwin does not present his hypotheses on the origin of man, but in this book he states categorically that the human race is descended from earlier species of apes, which were descended from much more primitive life forms. The book is the work of a naturalist, and it is surprising how perceptive Darwin was, considering that this book was written in 1871. It faced a storm of rejection and tremendous furor. The book caused a storm of controversy throughout the entire world. Darwin sets out his facts as dispassionately as possible, but that did not stop many nations from banning the work. Darwin also clearly states in this important work that man is continuing to evolve. In this book Darwin states that the two main forms of selection that helped to shape the animals and humans the most through time are the theories of natural selection and sexual selection, and he explains the difference between these two often throughout the book. Even though the book is actually quite readable, I found it not an easy book to read. Even now these theories seem too much to be believed in some spots, but I do not argue at all with Darwin's theory. It is in fact the only way that the human race could have evolved. Definitely a must-read for anyone interested in "ground-breaking" literature.
Average customer rating:
- Science fiction in comics at its best
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Kin: Descent of Man
Gary Frank
Manufacturer: Top Cow Productions/Image Comics
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ASIN: 1582402248 |
Book Description
The single Neanderthal survivor, whose fellows were wiped out by a sinister government agency, bent on stealing thier ancient strange and potent technology, must right the wrongs done to his people and prevent the technology of his heritage from falling into the hands of evil.
Customer Reviews:
Science fiction in comics at its best.......2002-05-03
Bob, the last Neanderthal man, must find what is left of his people before an evil man and his operation gut his home for the advanced technology and secret to his people's survival. He is aided by Elspeth Leakey, the British park ranger daughter of a former spy, and Trey "Mac" MacAloon, a former executive in the company that is out to destroy the lifestyle Bob and his people.
This is a complex and thought-out story with wonderful art by Gary Frank (Gen13) and gorgeous colors by Paul Mounts. Emotionally gripping and filled with surprise after surprise, this is a comic that doesn't disappont. It is a modern and tragic tale of a peaceful society being encroached upon by agressive conquerors.
Customer Reviews:
Often uneven, usually funny, always inventive........2000-12-18
As with most first collections of short stories, 'Descent of Man' is pretty uneven. Too many stories feel like sketches for comedy shows, one joke spun out for pages. There are a few that are Kafka-lite, others a little too in love with the sound of their own voice; the last story, in its detached misogyny, leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.
This is still a highly entertaining book. Themes, subjects, charaters, motifs etc. recur, as the antiseptic, over-confident world of modern capitalism is blighted by beasts, nature, disasters: those things so alien to us we can never predict or destroy them, try as we might. This is an ugly re-vision of Darwin, evolution in reverse, survival of the sneakiest. The Boyle gallery of finks, thieves, perverts, latterday Josef Ks, cuckolds, killers, greed- and ambition-devouring monsters are not a pretty lot, but raise some delicious laughs.
There are some excellent pastiches here of Borges, Wells, Haggard etc., but, and perhaps this is the flaw, we're always reading Boyle. 'The Second Swimming' (about Mao's birthday celebrations), 'The Big Garage' (the mock-Kafka tale of a motorist's car breaking down) and 'The Extinction Tales' (an extraordinary catalogue of historical 'progress') at least are masterpieces. A fun way to enjoy the end of the world.
A Melange of Boyle's Greatest.......2000-12-15
... This could be one of the best collections of short stories by an author I have ever read in my entire life. The title story is utterly brilliant and one of the most amusing. My favorite, HEART OF A CHAMPION, is the one I thought brought about the most internal laughter, the story of a boy and his collie. Other favorites, most of them more thought-provoking than ha-ha-worthy include THE SECOND SWIMMING, A WOMAN'S RESTAURANT, THE EXTINCTION TALES, and DROWNING. A strange thing I noticed: the stories seem to progress from funny to gloomy according to their appearance. I had originally planned to exchange this book with a friend once I was done, but when I had finished it I knew that I would want to read this again. Of all the emotions these stories force you to accept, disappointment isn't one of them.
Nice, but why not go straight to the sources?.......2000-08-31
These were solid, humorous stories, but it was tough for me not to think about the superior masters of the short story who T.C. was obviously influenced by or paying homage to. Boyle makes it quite clear that "The Big Garage" is his homage to Kafka's "The Trial," (not a short story). He also makes it clear that "The Human Fly" from IF THE RIVER WAS WHISKEY is an homage to Kafka's "The Hunger Artist." So, if you are thinking about reading this and you haven't yet read Kafka's great stories, such as "The Hunger Artist," "The Metamorphosis" or "In the Penal Colony," do yourself a favor and read those first.
Another writer who came to mind while I read this was Donald Barthelme. The story "De Rerum Natura" especially reminded me of Barthelme. Again, though, Boyle doesn't measure up to his influence.
Of course, Boyle deserves to be judged on his own merits and, by that standard, he is pretty good. And I have to give him credit if he inspired me to read more of Kafka, Barthelme and Jorge Luis Borges, another master of the short story.
"YES IN-DEED, DAT MASTUH KONRAD IS QUITE DE WIT".......1999-10-29
You'll never forget reading this book. The story "Descent of Man" is one of the funniest things I have ever read. The rest are equally satisfying, although, not all funny. Some of the stories, while thought provoking, are somewhat gloomy. Still, those that are not in the comedic vein, "Drowning" and "The Extinction Tales" come to mind, are highly entertaining and not to be disregarded. As for the rest, "The Champ," "John Barleycorn Lives," "Quetzacoatl Lite" and etc. etc. are absolutely some of the most amusing stories I'v ever had the pleasure of stumbling across. Descent of Man rocks my world!!!!!
You'll laught till you cry.......1999-05-01
I think Descent of Man and Green Hell are two of the funniest short stories I have ever read. Either of these two are worth the price of the book.
You may want to read only a few stories at a time as they tend to get a little dark and depressing, but the two titles mentioned above are gems.
Book Description
A compelling biography of an extraordinary man who lived, fought, and made his mark in two worlds--Indian and white.
The amazing and uncommon life of George Bent spanned one of the most exciting epochs in our nation's history. Born to a prominent white trader and his Indian wife, George Bent was raised as a Cheyenne and, later, educated in white schools. He fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War and later became a Cheyenne warrior. A survivor of the horrific 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, he rode with the ferocious Cheyenne Dog Soldiers, and became a prominent interpreter and negotiator for whites and adviser to tribal leaders. He hobnobbed with frontier legends Kit Carson, Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill Hickok, and George Custer, and fought side-by-side with great Indian leaders. Always brushing against the edges of greatness, always in the center of controversy and danger, Bent was a survivor. Yet for all his adventures, accomplishments, and friendships, George Bent, the halfbreed, never found lasting happiness in either world, Indian or white.
Yet this man, in his final years, saved the memory of his people by sharing with historians the story of the fighting Cheyennes.
Customer Reviews:
A brilliant read.......2006-10-20
This is a brilliant study of George Bent, the son of William Bent and Owl Woman, a physical union of the American settler and the American Indian in the west during the 19th century. He was not necessarily a central figure but nevertheless is emblematic of an entire era. In a time when we have few sources and fewer books regarding the progeny of Indian-european unions, this serves as an important and fascinating book that looks into the two worlds and momentous events of Bent's life. He lived among those great men of the American west such as Buffulo Bill and Kit Carson as well as witnessed the destruction of the native-American way of life. As a dog soldier, or elite warrior, of the Cheyennes he saw the massacre of Black Kettle's people and the subsequent war between whites and Indians on the plains. He later lived to serve as translator to the slowly defeated tribes and ended his days as a teacher at an Indian school, witness to the passing of an era. This is a well written book that reads like fiction but serves as an important testimony. A fascinating story that anyone will enjoy but should truly be read by anyone who enjoys the American West in all its flavor.
Seth J. Frantzman
"Remarkable" Doesn't Quite Describe This Book!.......2005-10-26
When I moved to Santa Fe in 1983, I became fascinated with the history of this area and all things related to the Santa Fe trail. David Lavender wrote a great book on Bent's Fort that has always been a favorite of mine. Bent's Fort is a "living museum" in south eastern Colorado that is really worth visiting. When my friend loaned me his copy of Halfbreed, I was so impressed with its insight and easy reading that I bought two copies and sent one to another friend to enjoy (he did). I've read it three times now and will enjoy it again. I was moved by the authors' sensitivity of a true unsung hero who tried his best to preserve his knowledge of the Cheyenne oral traditions before they were forever lost. I will one day soon travel to the village of Colony, Oklahoma and visit his grave sight to pay homage to a great man that through this book, I have come to know and honor. I recomend this book for all who are looking for a good book to read.
A Unique and Important Life.......2005-05-02
George Bent was truly one-of-a-kind. Born the son of a wealthy and prominent White trader and a beautiful Cheyenne woman in 1843, he was raised half-White and half-Cheyenne. He was educated in the White man's world and served in the Confederate Army, but became a Cheyenne warrior when his tribe went to war with the United States, participating in 27 war parties. He later worked as an interpreter and a broker -- not always a good one -- between the Whites and the Cheyennes. Perhaps his more important role came late in life when he served as an informant to the historians and ethnologists studying the Cheyennes. That they are among the best documented, most admired and studied of all Indian tribes is largely attributable to Bent.
The authors have done an outstanding job in compiling the story of George Bent. This is a scholarly, well-researched, well-documented, book that is complex but reads easily and tells a fascinating tale of a man between two worlds and comfortable in neither. The characters of Western legend appear in the book: Kit Carson, Wild Bill Hickock, George Custer, Phil Sheridan, and Buffalo Bill. Desperate forgotten battles between the Cheyennes and their White enemies are recalled and described. Perhaps the most interesting chapters of all describe the relationship between Bent and the scholars -- Hyde, Mooney, and Grinnell -- who used him as a resource to write their books. Bent had a burning interest in assuring that the story of the Cheyenne was recorded and remembered. He succeeded.
"Halfbreed" is a sad book as it describes the destruction by disease and war and massacre of a people and of Bent's own efforts to survive in a world that collapses around him. I don't know of any other book that delves so deeply and movingly into the world of the halfbreed. Bent deserves the recognition this book accords him almost a century after his death on the Cheyenne Reservation in Oklahoma.
Smallchief
Quest for balance.......2005-03-27
An imbibing read of George Bent's life as a halfbreed White/Cheyenne Indian from the mid-1800's to the early 1900's. Bent was the son of famed trader William Bent and his Cheyenne Indian wife Owl Woman. In later years he wanted to tell his story from the Indian point of view which makes this a captivating read. For years we have been exposed to thrashings of the Native Americans from the slanted and one-sided views of Hollywood, dime novels, etc. that we oftentimes forget that there was another side to the story.
George was raised among the Cheyenne Indians at Bent's Fort in Colorado, later schooled in Westport and St. Louis, fought as a Confederate soldier in the Civil War, rode with the renegade Cheyenne Dog Soldiers in retaliation for the horrific Sand Creek Massacre, hired as a government interpreter to the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, knew and met with the many Indian chiefs to promote peace and acted as an intermediary between both worlds.
Throughout his entire life he was confused and frustrated as to which side of the heritage line to choose. The authors are to be commended on the manner in which they incorporate this struggle for identity along with critical historical events that shaped and incurred during his lifetime.
Great Book, Should be a Movie.......2005-02-25
George Bent really wants the rest of the world to know the "Indian" side of what most people are taught in school.
There are always 3 sides to a story, ours, theirs and the truth. All we can do know is read both sides and decide for ourself what is the truth.
I would recomend this book, and I'm not much of a book reader.
Book Description
In this miniature volume taken from the best-selling Darwin Awards series, men meet their inner idiots as they remove themselves from the gene pool. Driven by testosterone, they engage in unnatural encounters with vegetables, select bizarre rendezvous locations, and use downright dangerous erotic aids, thereby confirming the common belief that men don't always think with their brains. Including full-color illustrations and nine never-before-published stories, this miniature collection makes a wonderful addition to the Darwin Awards library.
Customer Reviews:
Excerpts on stupid humans.......2007-08-08
Some hilarious stories, but the books small size makes it impossible for it to be a GREAT book. A good book to read if you just want a little something.
NOT A BOOK - IT'S TINY! .......2007-07-12
My son loves the Darwin Awards books, so I ordered this one for his birthday. I was shocked when it arrived because it's only 2.25"x3.25" - not exactly the kind of thing you wrap up for a birthday present. I'm sending it back and getting him a real book!
great book, but mini.......2006-12-19
I purchased this book thinking it would be a regular, full-sized book. It is in fact a very small book. It will fit in the palm of my hand. It's contents however isn't lacking at all despite the size. I would prefer a regular size book, but I'll take it as I can get it.
Book Description
Are they needed? To be sure. The Darwinian industry, industrious though it is, has failed to provide texts of more than a handful of Darwin's books. If you want to know what Darwin said about barnacles (still an essential reference to cirripedists, apart from any historical importance) you are forced to search shelves, or wait while someone does it for you; some have been in print for a century; various reprints have appeared and since vanished."
—Eric Korn,Times Literary Supplement
Charles Robert Darwin (1880-1882) has been widely recognized since his own time as one of the most influential writers in the history of Western thought. His books were widely read by specialists and the general public, and his influence had been extended by almost continuous public debate over the last 130 years. New York University Press' edition makes it possible for the first time to review Darwin's public literary output as a whole, plus his scientific journal articles, his private notebooks, and his correspondence.
This is the first complete edition containing all of Darwin's published books, featuring definitive texts recording original paginations with Darwin's indexes retained. All illustrations and plates are presented, inclucing 82 color plates of birds and mammals and several folding maps and plates. The set also features a general introduction and index, and textural introductions in each volume.
Customer Reviews:
defies common sense.......2007-07-14
This book is totally boring and idiotic.
Only a fool would believe that our ancestors were gorillas. If you believe that we descended from gorillas and/or lizards, you probably also believe that The Earth revolves around the sun.
The Earth is stationary, just like it seems. The sun revolves around The Earth, just like the moon (except hotter). Use your noodle. It's common sense.
The Lord created The Earth (and the heavens) out of sawdust, clay, dinosaur bones, and mud. He did so in six days, and slept on the seventh day. This occurred 6000 or 7000 years ago. Evolution could not have occurred in such a short period of time.
Wake up, you've been duped.
Freed our minds for relativity.......2006-12-12
Just as "Origin of Species is misunderstood, I believe "Descent" to be also, although the latter is a more entertaining read. "Descent" fails to concentrate on man without deviating. It is a book of observations and study. It concentrates on how animal life, has, by sexual selection, brought forth the variety in the species we see today, through millions of years. Darwin covered his beloved pigeons in depth in "Origins" and continues at length on many other bird species in "Descent". I agree with him that all the different types of birds we see today probably came from one ancestor of the pigeon. This is called variation of kind. We see this in just about every living creature and flora. The problem arises when the next step is taken, the rise of one species turning into another (reptile to bird). Throughout the book Darwin does admit to this fact, but he still maintains that it must be, with much difficulty. He does hint to nature having some "power of thought", where does this come from? How does nature make these choices? Why did Darwin focus so on the black tribes: their practices, looks, sexuality, if he did not believe them a lower race? Of course he only hints at this, and his belief of evolving from apes is scant, but obvious. Does not the use of race to distinguish only separate? His theory on idiots as somehow lower is also disturbing. And what of the rudimentary parts and vestigial organs. As we progress in our scientific study we understand more on their uses, and there may be much we will never understand. In the end he gives a poor argument, and a convoluted book.
There is no doubt there is a tremendous amount of work that went into his book. It is a difficult and painful read, although there are many interesting and detailed observations. One does need to know his enemy. Darwin is not the originator of "evolution." There are many who came before him, since the dawn of time. He was influenced by numerous men of his time, some being more radical. Darwin was nothing new, he just maid it "hip." What he started has turned into the secular humanism the world has adopted. I don't think he meant for this disease to spread like it has. From his writings I understand him as an agnostic, but doubtful. I believed he struggled with the possibly of a deist. It is safe to say it was his only ambition till his dying day to prove "evolution" as proof of our existence. What of the missing fossil record?, he new they would be found. He was a confusing man.
150 years later and there still has been no intermediate fossils found to prove the case. In fact we are discovering more that validates creation.
Why don't we see a scale or a feather erupt occasionally on man? Is it because it is not in our DNA, and never was?
The theory of evolution caused Darwin to loose his faith and his experience has been repeated in countless lives. Evolution is an acid that eats away at the mind, a cancer.
One only needs to open the pages to Michael Behe's book, "Darwin's Black Box", to understand the futility of the evolutionary theory. The engines of life at the molecular level are so complex that there leaves no other possibility than a creator of the universe. There should be no excuse.
Wish you well
Scott
Masterpiece or wonder?.......2004-07-30
While Darwin's theory of natural selection was accepted in the 1930s, Darwin's theory of sexual selection remains controversial. In Ernst Mayr's recent What is Evolution? Darwin's theory of sexual selection receives about two paragraphs. By comparison, Darwin considered sexual selection important enough to receive an equal number of pages as he devoted to his theory of natural selection. 130 years later, he's still probably the only evolutionary theorist to make this judgement. Equally, one must wonder that if Darwin had not come up with the idea of sexual selection, would anyone else have done so?
This book is not merely revolutionary on a theoretical basis, but also in its thoughts on animals - including humans. 100 years before Jane Goodall `discovers' chimpanzees using tools, Darwin devotes more than a page to animals using tools. More than 110 years before vets begin to give dogs prozac, Darwin argues that dogs have a sense of humour. His views on animals raises them higher than any modern theorist: his views on humans lowers them to where they are - animals, and thus the title.
130 years later, this book is still radical. It is probably the most significant alteration to our understanding of ourselves since Copernicus. Its contents, with its stark views on human violence, continues to make aetheists uneasy. The book is very readable, and Darwin's clarity, sincerity and incisiveness places him above all modern writers. Revolutionary, thoughtful, and warm, it remains more a wonder than a masterpiece.
Thought police.......2003-10-18
Darwin operated in a thought world completely unacceptable to the "politically correct" speech/thought codes found on most college/university campuses today. If one subscribes to Darwinian or neo-Darwinian ideas, one has to wonder what new "great ideas" we are missing out on today, now that the politically correct thought police have taken over the media, education, and popular entertainment establishments--effictively suppressing the sort of thought that nurtured Darwin's "scientific" speculations.
True Darwinism.......2002-11-17
In the beginning of the book, you will find a sort of definition of Natural Selection, which is about all the space Darwin spends on formulating his hypothesis.
"Do the races or species of men, whichever term may be applied, encroach on and replace one another, so that some finally become extinct? We shall see that all these questions, as indeed is obvious in respect to most of them, must be answered in the affirmative, in the same manner as with the lower animals."
On about 15 occasions later in the book he writes about how this selective encroachment of human races occurs, most signicicantly when writing that:
"Extinction follows chiefly from the competition of tribe with tribe, and race with race. (.....) and when of two adjoining tribes one becomes less numerous and less powerful than the other, the contest is soon settled by war, slaughter, cannibalism, slavery, and absorption."
Racial and tribal genocide is the chief operator in shaping humans as they are today from an apelike progenitor, according to Darwin.
This work is not up to scratch compared to classics of biological science from the same timeperiod, such as Mendel's "Versuche". This work is more appropiately read together with Haecekel's "Natural Creation History" (Naturliche Schopfungsgeschichte), which Darwin profusely praises in the beginning of his book.
Both these works from Haeckel and Darwin carry decidedly racist and generally judgemental content. Generally judgemental in continuously talking about higher and lower in an expressely moral way. For instance Darwin finds it neccessary to assert what the highest state of morality is for a person, and elsewhere he urges people in any way "inferior" not to marry.
The science is shoddy, especially the formulation is seriously lacking. The moral judgementalism, which makes up a great deal of the book, is generally coarse and without significant emotion showing through.
Average customer rating:
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The descent of man, and selection in relation to sex
Charles Darwin
Manufacturer: Rand, McNally
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ASIN: B00085HHEO |
Average customer rating:
- Lyrical novel at its best
- Seductive in More Ways than One!
- SHALLOW PRETENDING TO BE DEEP
- Stunning and enthralling..exquisite writing...Bravo!
- Excellent
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Sapogonia
Ana Castillo
Manufacturer: Anchor
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ASIN: 0385470800
Release Date: 1994-01-01 |
Book Description
In
Sapogonia, edited and revised for its Anchor publication, Ana Castillo confronts the complex issues of race and identity facing those of mixed heritage through the struggles of Máximo Madrigal, an expatriate of Sapogonia, the metaphorical homeleand of all mestizos. Subtly political, it demonstrates how warring blood within a single body resists any peaceful resolution.
Customer Reviews:
Lyrical novel at its best.......2004-07-09
Sapogonia by Ana Castillo is a fantastical and romantic novel. It may take some readers a bit of time to get used to the style of the novel, but once you do, you will be taken on various trips between the lives of Pastora and Maximo Madrigal. The characters share their lives both together and separately to create a well-rounded story. There's also a bit of magical realism that hints of what's to come from Castillo as an author. While I wouldn't say this is one of her best works, I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in finding something new to read; especially if it was works from a Latina author.
This book would also make for a great edition to a literature class. I think the benefits of a knowledgeable teacher would really flesh out the themes of this novel.
Seductive in More Ways than One!.......2004-03-16
Long before this country discovered "His-panic" literature there was Ana Castillo. Long before feminists understood that the Mexican/Chicana/Latina existed at all Ana Castillo was already writing the testament. Honestly, this has not been my favorite of her all her work but having come out with a small press originally its liabilities may not have been her fault. Nevertheless, it has withstood the test of time. I love Maximo, that man we Latinas love to hate and hate to love. As for Pastora, only a fool would see that she is meant to represent the macho's idea of woman. He creates her only to destroy her before she can destroy him. Seductive in more ways than one and way ahead of its time!
SHALLOW PRETENDING TO BE DEEP.......2002-05-15
I've read Castillo's "So Far From God" and was so charmed by it that I couldn't wait to read "Sapogonia."
I had to double check myself and make sure that I, indeed, was reading the same author. "Sapogonia's" characters are so on-the-surface and stereotypical that even this gringa is waiting for more elucidation.
Castillo tries to be too angry, while not giving me characters that draw me into their inner anger. All the anger is on the exterior in this book...leaving one thirsty for something more satisfying. And, while there's nothing wrong with experimenting, this book lacks true ingenuity.
Stunning and enthralling..exquisite writing...Bravo!.......1999-03-28
I read this exquisite achievement from Ana Castillo a while back ago, and it still permeates every pore in my body. This book illustrates the seduction between a beautiful pagan demi-goddess that is envisioned as Coatlique. A witch she is called by her desperate lover, Maximo through the soft lament of his guitar. This novel is an orgasmic documentation of an obsessive attraction of flesh and mind. Of Hero worship and loss.Ana Castillo creates Pastora as a strong sexual brilliant woman, who has enraptured Maximo. But Maximo can never have her.
Excellent.......1999-03-20
A multi-viewpoint view on the areas of assimilation, violence, and gender relations. Castillo masterfully wavers from the masculine narrator Max (whom she writes from both the first and third person, sometimes switching in the middle of the narration) and Pastora, the woman with whom he is infatuated and cannot obtain. She also mixes fantasy, memory, and dreams to create a work that will stay with the reader long after the final page is read.
Books:
- From So Simple a Beginning: Darwin's Four Great Books (Voyage of the Beagle, The Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals)
- From So Simple a Beginning: Darwin's Four Great Books (Voyage of the Beagle, The Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals)
- Fundamentals of Molecular Virology
- Genetics: Analysis of Genes and Genomes
- Genetics: From Genes to Genomes
- Genetics of Populations (Biological Science (Jones and Bartlett))
- Handbook of Statistics 18: Bioenvironmental and Public Health Statistics (Techniques and Instrumentation in Analytical Chemistry)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
- Historical Geology: Evolution of Earth and Life Through Time (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Books Index
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Darwin: The Indelible Stamp; The Evolution Of An Idea
Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon
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The God Delusion
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