Discovery Of Evolution, The

'The Discovery of Evolution' explains what the theory of evolution is all about by providing a historical narrative of discovery. Some of the major puzzles that confront anyone studying living things are discussed and it details how these were solved from an evolutionary perspective. Beginning with the emergence of the early naturalists in the seventeenth century, the scientific discoveries that led up to and then flowed from Darwin and Wallace's theory of evolution by natural selection are then discussed, and finally the modern evolutionary studies at the close of the twentieth century are detailed. This edition of The Discovery of Evolution is fully updated and contains a new chapter on the evolutionary studies of the twentieth century. By approaching the topic of evolution in this way, it is made accessible to the non-specialist and no previous study of biology is required in order to read and understand this book. No previous background of biology is needed to understand and enjoy this book. Heavily illustrated, with many supplied by the Natural History Museum, London, which adds interest and detail to the narrative. Contents: Introduction; 1. Evolution - journey’s guide; 2. Puzzles for the naturalist; 3. Matters of place and time; 4. A natural history of creation; 5. The species question; 6. Life’s genealogy and natural selection; 7. A rich inheritance; 8. Synthesis and species; 9. The continuing journey; 10. Evolution, truth, theory or myth?; Evolutionary who's who; Evolutionary reading; References.