On the Origin of Species

In the Origin of Species (1859) Darwin challenged many of the most deeply held beliefs of the Western world, dislodging man from his central position in creation and calling into question the role of the Creator. This revised edition presents the text in light of the most recent scholarship. In her introduction, Gillian Beer considers in detail the first reactions to the work and Darwin's responses and appraises the controversy in the light of the recent revival of Creationism and Intelligent Design.