DARWIN'S ORIGIN OF SPECIES A Biography

This brief book, written by the foremost biographer of Darwin, outlines the history of his landmark work, ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES. Browne gives an overview of Darwin's life, discusses how he wrote the book (and what influence he had from others), how it was received and debated in Victorian England, and the book's legacy since its publication. Narrator Josephine Bailey reads with poise and aplomb, maintaining a didactic tone throughout. Her gentle, comforting British accent makes this an agreeable reading. However, when narrating quotes, she adopts a scratchy voice or lowers her voice in an attempt to sound more "masculine." This detracts a bit from the overall character of the book. K.M. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]