The Descent of Man (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Selection in Relation to SexBy Charles Darwin
Length32h 30m
About this audiobook
In The Descent of Man (1871), Charles Darwin extends the theory of natural selection from the origin of species to the vexed question of human origins. Combining comparative anatomy, embryology, psychology, ethnography, and observation of animal behavior, the book argues that humans share common ancestry with other animals and that mental and moral faculties evolved gradually. Its prose is patient, evidentiary, and cautiously polemical, situated within Victorian scientific debate and directly engaging theological and philosophical assumptions about human uniqueness. Darwin wrote from the authority earned by On the Origin of Species, yet also from decades of collecting evidence that he had initially withheld from public controversy. His experience as a naturalist on the Beagle, his correspondence with breeders and colonial observers, and his studies of variation, instinct, and sexual selection all shaped this work. The book also reflects the intellectual tensions of nineteenth-century Britain, where science increasingly challenged inherited hierarchies of nature and humanity. This is essential reading for anyone interested in evolutionary biology, intellectual history, or the modern understanding of humankind. Though some period assumptions require critical scrutiny, Darwin's central method—careful comparison, cumulative evidence, and conceptual daring—remains profoundly instructive.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★★ 4.9 (94)
Includes Amazon
GenreScience and Nature
Length32 hrs 30 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 12, 2020
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Author Biography
Show all chaptersShow less
6The Descent of Man
7Introduction.
8Part I. The Descent or Origin of Man.
9Chapter I. The Evidence of the Descent of Man from some Lower Form.
10Chapter II. On the Manner of Development of Man from some Lower Form.
11Chapter III. Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and the Lower Animals.
12Chapter IV. Comparison of the Mental Powers of Man and the Lower Animals—continued.
13Chapter V. On the Development of the Intellectual and Moral Faculties during Primeval and Civilised Times.
14Chapter VI. On the Affinities and Genealogy of Man.
15Chapter VII. On the Races of Man.
16Part II. Sexual Selection.
17Chapter VIII. Principles of Sexual Selection. (pt. 1)
18Chapter VIII. Principles of Sexual Selection. (pt. 2)
19Chapter IX. Secondary Sexual Characters in the Lower Classes of the Animal Kingdom.
20Chapter X. Secondary Sexual Characters of Insects.
21Chapter XI. Insects, continued.—Order Lepidoptera.
22Chapter XII. Secondary Sexual Characters of Fishes, Amphibians, and Reptiles.
23Chapter XIII. Secondary Sexual Characters of Birds.
24Chapter XIV. Birds—continued.
25Chapter XV. birds—continued.
26Chapter XVI. Birds—concluded.
27Chapter XVII. Secondary Sexual Characters of Mammals.
28Chapter XVIII. Secondary Sexual Characters of Mammals—continued.
29Part III. Sexual Selection in Relation to Man, and Conclusion.
30Chapter XIX. Secondary Sexual Characters of Man.
31Chapter XX. Secondary Sexual Characters of Man—continued.
32Chapter XXI. General Summary and Conclusion.
33Analysis
34Reflection
35Memorable Quotes
El origen de las especiesCharles Darwin23h 25m4.2 (147.5K)$9.99 · $0.00
The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (Annotated)Charles Darwin13h 44m$2 · $0.00
Die Entstehung der Arten (Kommentiert)Charles Darwin23h 17m$1.50 · $0.00
Die Abstammung des Menschen und die geschlechtliche Zuchtwahl (Kommentiert)Charles Darwin39h 40m4.3 (135)$2 · $0.00
Geologische Beobachtungen über die Vulcanischen InselnCharles Darwin6h 51m3.8 (196)$2 · $0.00
Charles Darwin: His LifeCharles Darwin18h 6m3.9 (445)$2 · $0.00
ChiloéCharles Darwin2h 40m3.8 (152)$5 · $0.00
Insectivorous PlantsCharles Darwin15h 21m3.8 (44)$1 · $0.00
The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (Annotated)Charles Darwin9h 27m4.1 (13.5K)$0.99 · $0.00
Die Reise mit der BeagleCharles Darwin24h 3m4.2 (40.6K)$3 · $0.00
The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of WormsCharles Darwin7h 58m4.1 (1.7K)$1 · $0.00
The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to SexCharles Darwin28h 1m4.1 (6.4K)$1 · $0.00
De Reis om de WereldCharles Darwin27h 10m4.1 (38.1K)$1 · $0.00
Die Entstehung der ArtenCharles Darwin23h 4m4.2 (125K)$2 · $0.00
Die Entstehung der Arten (Zusammengefasste Ausgabe)Charles Darwin4h 40m4.1 (175)$2
Geologische Beobachtungen über die Vulcanischen InselnCharles Darwin6h 29m3.8 (164)$2 · $0.00
Die Reise mit der Beagle (Zusammengefasste Ausgabe)Charles Darwin5h 17m4.2 (212)$1
El origen de las especiesCharles Darwin23h 25m4.2 (304.8K)$1.99 · $0.00
The Autobiography of Charles Darwin (Annotated)Charles Darwin3h 37m4.1 (14.1K)$1.99 · $0.00
A Brief History of IntelligenceMax S. Bennett12h 18m4.6 (6.6K)$29 · $0.00
The Story of BirdsSteve Brusatte11h 49m4.6 (401)$29 · $0.00
How Stella Learned to TalkChristina Hunger7h4.5 (10.9K)$24 · $0.00
Craig & FredCraig Grossi8h 6m4.5 (9.6K)$26 · $0.00
Celebrating BirdsNatalia Rojas, Ana Maria Martinez6h 47m4.6 (330)$24 · $0.00
Saving JemimaJulie Zickefoose4h 59m4.5 (749)$20 · $0.00
Will's Red CoatTom Ryan8h 23m4.5 (2.3K)$26 · $0.00
Of Time and TurtlesSy Montgomery10h 34m4.5 (5K)$29 · $0.00
Zen and the Art of Saving the PlanetThich Nhat Hanh9h 20m4.5 (3.9K)$29 · $0.00
Bottle of LiesKatherine Eban14h 25m4.4 (12K)$33 · $0.00
IngrainedCallum Robinson8h 10m4.5 (1.1K)$26 · $0.00
The Lion Tracker's Guide To LifeBoyd Varty3h 1m4.4 (4.8K)$18 · $0.00
Born for LoveBruce D. Perry, Maia Szalavitz11h 42m4.4 (4K)$29 · $0.00
The Mountains of California (With Original Drawings & Photographs) (Annotated)John Muir11h 35m4.5 (1.1K)$2 · $0.00
The New GuysMeredith Bagby16h 50m4.4 (1.2K)$40 · $0.00
Blue PasturesMary Oliver3h 23m4.4 (3.8K)$18 · $0.00
The Rise and Reign of the MammalsSteve Brusatte13h 26m4.4 (11.1K)$33 · $0.00
VaccinatedPaul A. Offit8h 30m4.4 (3.7K)$26 · $0.00
The Light EatersZoë Schlanger10h 57m4.4 (22.8K)$29 · $0.00
Where the Lost Dogs GoSusannah Charleson11h 7m4.5 (699)$23 · $0.00
You may also like
WomanNatalie Angier18h 41m4.1 (5.4K)$30 · $0.00
Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We EatHal Herzog12h 24m4.1 (5.2K)$29 · $0.00
The Doctrine of the MeanConfucius Confucius45m4.0 (2K)$3.50 · $0.00
The Story of Your DogBrandon McMillan7h 51m4.3 (524)$26 · $0.00
The Solitary SummerElizabeth Von Arnim3h 11m4.0 (1.5K)$2.30 · $0.00
A Week on the Concord and Merrimack RiversHenry David Thoreau13h 10m3.9 (3.6K)$23
The Warrior WithinJohn Little7h 7m4.4 (2.7K)$20
Schopenhauer in 90 MinutesPaul Strathern1h 19m3.8 (1.2K)$7
Farther AwayJonathan Franzen8h 42m3.7 (4.5K)$26 · $0.00
The Delicate PreyPaul Bowles9h 17m4.2 (1.5K)$29 · $0.00
Van GoghVincent van Gogh1h 37m4.3 (2.3K)$13.50 · $0.00
The Dog Who Couldn't Stop LovingJeffrey Moussaieff Masson6h 23m3.7 (457)$24 · $0.00
Aristotle's History of Animals. In Ten BooksAristotle16h 15m$2 · $0.00
Charles Darwin: His LifeCharles Darwin18h 6m3.9 (445)$2 · $0.00
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol 2Robert Louis Stevenson13h 46m$2.30
Human LifeSherwood Sweet Knight3h 32m$2 · $0.00
Homer Martin, a ReminiscenceElizabeth Gilbert Martin1h 9m$1 · $0.00
CézanneNathalia Brodskaya1h 11m4.3 (37)$15 · $0.00
The Front Yard, and Other Italian StoriesConstance Fenimore Woolson8h 3m3.8 (36)$1 · $0.00
Discover the beauty of Post-ImpressionismNathalia Brodskaïa1h 25m4.0 (51)$13 · $0.00