SCIENCES

Darwin’s Love of Life: A Singular Case of Biophilia

by Kay Harel
Columbia Univ. Oct. 2022. 184p. ISBN 9780231208086. $26. NAT HIST
COPY ISBN
Science journalist Harel’s first book takes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to Charles Darwin’s life. This book explores Darwin’s own contradictions in digestible chunks of interrelated essays that combine history, science and even poetry. Readers should expect to pull out a dictionary a few times; the vocabulary is beautiful and accurate but not always common. Some other collections and subject areas that this book would complement are design, evolutionary biology, naturalism, critique of scholarly study, dogs, truth and facts, carnivorous plants, the contribution of wives of “great thinkers,” and sex and gender.
VERDICT A wonderful holistic understanding of Charles Darwin’s life and his own evolution. Recommended for fans of biologist/writer E. O. Wilson.
Reviewed by Naomi Toftness , Sep 01, 2022
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

Going into Labour: Childbirth in Capitalism
by Fielder, Anna
NONFICTION

Trans Femme Futures: An Abolitionist Ethic for Transfeminist Worlds
by Raha, Nat & Mijke van der Drift
NONFICTION

The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2024
by McKibben, Bill & Jaime Green
NONFICTION

Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan
by Halteman, Matthew C.
NONFICTION

The World Beneath: The Life and Times of Unknown Sea Creatures and Coral Reefs
by Smith, Richard
NONFICTION

Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future
by Beiser, Vince
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?