Darwin’s Luck: Chance and Fortune in the Life and Work of Charles Darwin

by: Patrick H. Armstrong (Author)

Publisher: Continuum

Publication Date: 2009/4/15

Language: English

Print Length: 216 pages

ISBN-10: 1847251501

ISBN-13: 9781847251503

Book Description

One might make a case for saying that Darwin’s life was dogged by bad luck. His mother died when he was seven; he was sent to a school at which he ‘leat little’; he left medical school after two years, unqualified. Two of his children died in infancy. On the other hand one could argue that he had a privileged and fortunate life – perhaps the more common view. Patrick H. Armstrong contends that although Darwin came to the right conclusions, he did not actually follow the right path in getting there. While his science was sometimes flawed, he had the distinct knack of good instinct. Armstrong presents a fresh view of Darwin’s life and methods.

About the Author

One might make a case for saying that Darwin’s life was dogged by bad luck. His mother died when he was seven; he was sent to a school at which he ‘leat little’; he left medical school after two years, unqualified. Two of his children died in infancy. On the other hand one could argue that he had a privileged and fortunate life – perhaps the more common view. Patrick H. Armstrong contends that although Darwin came to the right conclusions, he did not actually follow the right path in getting there. While his science was sometimes flawed, he had the distinct knack of good instinct. Armstrong presents a fresh view of Darwin’s life and methods.