This remarkable book brings us an intimate and moving interpretation of the life and work of Charles Darwin, by Ruth Padel, an acclaimed British poet and a direct descendant of the famous scientist. Charles Darwin, born in 1809, lost his mother at the age of eight, repressed all memory of her, and poured his passion into solitary walks, newt collecting, and shooting. His five-year voyage on H.M.S. "Beagle, "when he was in his twenties, changed his life. Afterward, he began publishing his findings and working privately on ...
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This remarkable book brings us an intimate and moving interpretation of the life and work of Charles Darwin, by Ruth Padel, an acclaimed British poet and a direct descendant of the famous scientist. Charles Darwin, born in 1809, lost his mother at the age of eight, repressed all memory of her, and poured his passion into solitary walks, newt collecting, and shooting. His five-year voyage on H.M.S. "Beagle, "when he was in his twenties, changed his life. Afterward, he began publishing his findings and working privately on groundbreaking theories about the development of animal species, including human beings, and he made a nervous proposal to his cousin Emma. Padel's poems sparkle with nuance and feeling as she shows us the marriage that ensued, and the rich, creative atmosphere the Darwins provided for their ten children. Charles and Emma were happy in each other, but both were painfully aware of the gulf between her deep Christian faith and his increasing religious doubt. The death of three of their children accentuated this gulf. For Darwin, death and extinction were nature's way of developing new species: the survival of the fittest; for Emma, death was a prelude to the afterlife. These marvelous poems--enriched by helpful marginal notes and by Padel's ability to move among multiple viewpoints, always keeping Darwin at the center--bring to life the great scientist as well as the private man and tender father. This is a biography in rare form, with an unquantifiable depth of family intimacy and warmth.
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Add this copy of Darwin a Life in Poems By Padel, Ruth ( Author ) on Feb to cart. $4.99, very good condition, Sold by Brit Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milton Keynes, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2009 by Vintage.
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Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Add this copy of Darwin a Life in Poems By Padel, Ruth ( Author ) on Feb to cart. $4.99, good condition, Sold by Brit Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milton Keynes, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2009 by Vintage.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Add this copy of Darwin: A Life in Poems to cart. $11.81, new condition, Sold by Ria Christie Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Uxbridge, MIDDLESEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2010 by Vintage.
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 350grams, ISBN: 9780701183851.
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Like New. First Edition, First Printing. Not price-clipped. Published by Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. Octavo. Hardcover. Book is like new. Dust jacket is like new.100% positive feedback. 30 day money back guarantee. NEXT DAY SHIPPING! Excellent customer service. Please email with any questions. All books packed carefully and ship with free delivery confirmation/tracking. All books come with free bookmarks. Ships from Sag Harbor, New York.
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New in New jacket. New York: Knopf [2009]. First edition. First printing. Hardbound. A pristine unread copy. Never opened. Smoke-free. Shipped in well padded box. Poetry-off.
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Despite the gaffe which sadly caused her to withdraw as Oxford Professor of Poetry, Ruth Padel displays the alert sensibility which she has inherited from her great-great-grandfather discovering fresh ways of saying how she feels her ancestor Charles Darwin must have lived and felt - wonderful range and variety.
rubina
May 7, 2009
Poems tell so much
Padel, great-great-grandaughter of Charles Darwin, has, with reference to his letters and journals, composed a "life" with poems that often include his own words. His journeys, his dilemmas, his agonies, his love -- of his wife, children, and all the forms of life he so carefully observed-- indeed his humanity become real in this series of precise, very well-written poems. Notes in the margin provide clarification as needed.
