You care for nothing but shooting, dogs and rat catching; and you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family, his father cautioned young Charles Darwin. How did this boy emerge to be a great scientist that altered the course of biology and changed the thinking of mankind? He banished the supernatural from science and showed that life could be interpreted on the basis of visible facts and evidence. People began to realise that God had no role to play in the diversity and distribution of life on earth.

His masterpiece, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection is hailed as one of the most influential books ever written. What did he learn during the five year voyage he undertook on board the Beagle around South America, Australia and New Zealand? What was his personal life like?

Read this book by Sydney Srinivas to find answers to these questions. It tells the story of Charles Darwin for students and general public interested in science. The book is enriched by illustrations and quotes from the writings and letters of Darwin.