In the Origin of Species (1859) Darwin challenged many of the most
deeply held beliefs of the Western world. Arguing for a material, not
divine, origin of species, he showed that new species are achieved by
'natural selection'. Development, diversification, decay, extinction and
absence of plan are all inherent to his theories. Darwin read
prodigiously across many fields; he reflected on his experiences as a
traveller, he experimented. His profoundly influential concept of
'natural selection' condenses materials from past and present, from the
Galapagos Islands to rural Staffordshire, from English back gardens to
colonial encounters. The Origin communicates the enthusiasm of original
thinking in an open, descriptive style, and Darwin's emphasis on the
value of diversity speaks more strongly now than ever.