The Voyage of the Beagle
First published 1839 · English · 500 pages
- Adventure
- Biography and memoir
This is Darwin's lively account of his travels as naturalist on HMS Beagle, which sailed around the world in the 1830s. He describes South America in particular, with its forests, plains, mountains and people, and also visits islands including the Galapagos. He records earthquakes, fossils, strange animals and the habits of the places he meets.
The book mixes adventure, geology and natural history with personal impressions and thoughtful comments on society, including a firm dislike of slavery. It shows the observant young traveller whose discoveries would later lead to his theory of evolution, and it remains an enjoyable and approachable introduction to his mind.
Quotes
It is easy to specify the individual objects of admiration in these grand scenes; but it is not possible to give an adequate idea of the higher feelings of wonder, astonishment, and devotion, which fill and elevate the mind.
The natural history of this archipelago is very remarkable: it seems to be a little world within itself; the greater number of its inhabitants, both vegetable and animal, being found nowhere else.