Charles Darwin set the scientific world on fire when he published his evolutionary opus, On the Origin of Species. However, when a group of his contemporaries and critics met at Oxford to debate its efficacy, ailing health and the death of his young son prevented him from defending his work in person. Medical historian Markel (The Secret of Life) investigates the likely cause of Darwin’s illness and considers the men who represented the “simultaneously reclusive and intellectually audacious” scientist in his absence. Thorough, thought-provoking detail and rich descriptive language will immerse listeners in this engaging narrative. Narrator Mike Cooper has a clear, distinctive timbre. Listeners who enjoy audio for the ability to concurrently perform other tasks will find no such benefit here; the breakneck pace paired with the depth of research requires undivided attention. This, combined with the loss of supplemental drawings, diagrams, and photographs, gives an advantage to the print. VERDICT This audio will appeal to listeners seeking cinematic science biography. Recommended for fans of Markel’s previous medical histories, such as The Kelloggs: The Battling Brothers of Battle Creek.