What must have been one of the most significant journeys of all time. As the result of his observations on this trip Darwin went on the formulate his theory of natural selection and change the entire balance between science and religion. Today, with the understanding of evolution being ingrained into the social understanding of most developed societies, it is hard to recognise just how revolutionary these ideas were.

Alan Moorheads’s book follows Darwin’s journey from childhood through university and on to the three years he spent with Captain Fitzroy on board the Beagle. Moorhead looks at some of the formative events and discoveries and tells the story in a fluent and interesting style.

This book is a wonderfully, illuminating read. Despite being gripping and hugely readable this is nevertheless a detailed and enormously informative book. A really good introduction to the life and ideas of Charles Darwin.