Charles Darwin

J. David Archibald is an emeritus professor of biology, teaching at Yale University and San Diego State University. He led over 30 paleontological expeditions in the U. S. and central Asia. He is the author of almost 200 articles and author or co-editor of eight books, the most recent in 2017 Origins of Darwin's Evolution: Solving the Species Puzzle Through Time and Place.

Highly Recommended: Charles Darwin: though this is a name most people recognize, most know little about the man himself. One of the first entries in Rowman & Littlefield’s new "Significant Figures in World History" series, this slim volume provides a wealth of detail. Paleobiologist Archibald (San Diego State) is the author of Origins of Darwin’s Revolution (CH, Jul'18, 55-4011) and Aristotle’s Ladder, Darwin’s Tree (CH, Mar'15, 52-3638), among other works. His subject matter expertise is evident as he outlines Darwin’s life and research in several ways. A 20-page chronology encapsulates every year of Darwin’s adult life; 126 pages of brief encyclopedia entries summarize significant people, publications, concepts, and more; a 38-page bibliography inventories Darwin’s writing as well as major works about Darwin and his research; an 18-page index provides additional access points. This year marks the 210th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 160th anniversary of the publication of the landmark On the Origin of Species. This accessible reference guide is likely to appeal to readers who want to learn more about Darwin and his significant contributions to our ever-evolving understanding of the world around us.