The Origin of Evolution: The Idea of Natural Selection Before and After Darwin

The theory of natural selection did not first arise in its fully formed state in the mind of Charles Darwin. Philosophers and scientists from around the world have explored and discussed it for thousands of years. The book by John and Mary Gribbin explains what views on evolution existed before Darwin, how the idea of evolution changed in different societies over time, and how it developed in the 20th century. This does not diminish Darwin's own achievements in understanding how evolution works at the level of individuals and species, but his contribution was one link in a chain that goes back to antiquity and continues to the present day.