Darwin and the Science of Evolution

Darwin and the Science of Evolution is a 2000 illustrated biography of Charles Darwin, and a monograph on his theory of evolution. Written by the French historian of science, and published in pocket format by Éditions Gallimard as the volume in their "Découvertes" collection. The book was adapted into a documentary film of the same title in 2002.

Introduction

The book is part of the Sciences et techniques series in the "Découvertes Gallimard" collection. According to the tradition of "Découvertes", which is based on an abundant pictorial documentation and a way of bringing together visual documents and texts, enhanced by printing on coated paper, as commented in L'Express, "genuine monographs, published like art books". It's almost like a "graphic novel", replete with colour plates.
Here the author sheds light on the life and work of the main founder of the science of evolution. Part biography, part history of science and social documentary, this book takes readers on Darwin's journey of discovery.

Reception

On Babelio, the book gets an average of 3.50/5 based on 6 ratings. Goodreads reported, based on 21 ratings, an average of 3.48 out of 5, indicating "generally positive opinions".

Adaptation

In 2002, the book was adapted as a documentary film of the same name. A co-production between La Sept-Arte and Trans Europe Film, with the collaboration of Éditions Gallimard and French National Centre for [Scientific Research|CNRS] Images Média, the film was directed by Valérie Winckler, with voice-over narration by the French actor and the director. It was broadcast on Arte as part of the television programme The [Human Adventure (TV series)|The Human Adventure], and dubbed into German under the title Charles Darwin und die Evolution. However, it is unclear whether the film is available in English.