Charles Darwin

Destroyer of Myths

By: Andrew Norman

Narrated by: Allan Robertson

Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Charles Darwin did not deliberately set out to be the destroyer of mythical beliefs,” some of which, in his early days as a young Christian, he had previously espoused. He was a modest man who liked to avoid controversy of any kind, yet paradoxically, he was to be the cause of the greatest controversy in the history of science and religion.

When Darwin embarked on the HMS Beagle in late December 1831, bound for the southern hemisphere, he could not have imagined that the experience would lead him to formulate a theory that would totally revolutionize the way in which we viewed the natural world. He did not come to his conclusions about the origin and evolution of all life on Earth quickly, though, for just as the living organisms to which his theory applied had evolved over millions of years, so his thinking evolved as his own life progressed.How did this thoughtful, methodical scientist come to have such an impact on his timeand on ours? These questions and more are what Andrew Norman seeks to answer in this biography of the author of The Origin of Species.

©2014 Andrew Norman (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Amazing

An unlikely read but thoroughly enjoyed. One of my top 5 books for sure. An amazing story about an amazing life

Concise summary

pretty good book. Narrator did a great job. Gives a pretty good summary Darwins position bus not too much detail to be boring.

I expected more

Despite a fascinating subject the mediocre writing style had me looking forward to the end of the book. For example, why did the author include a five minute long list of the various forms of "the water cure?" Three stars because I did get an overview of Darwin for a very low sale price. If I had paid full price I would have asked for a refund.

Excellent writing and narration!

What did you love best about Charles Darwin?

I really enjoyed this book. The narrator was so good that I'm now looking for other books he's done. He used vocal techniques that constantly kept my attention without feeling annoying after lengthy listens. I really liked how this book moved from each section and idea of his life even throwing in other information about relevant topics to better understand the science and story. Great book!

Really enjoyed the first part, but.....really?

What could Andrew Norman have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Not switched gears. Stayed on mission.

Any additional comments?

It was when the author quoted Wikipedia, of all things, that started my skepticism. He then went point by point disputing the Wiki article. Took up way too much time using this "source." I stopped listening during the ultra-long descriptions of world religions. I have no idea what point the author was trying to make, but I bought this book to learn about Darwin. I just didn't want to waste any more time.

The book gets a little lost sometimes

Is there anything you would change about this book?

There were sections that just didn't seem relevant and full of speculation. I would drop these and add more factual information.

Would you ever listen to anything by Andrew Norman again?

Probably not.

Did Allan Robertson do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

I thought the narration was fine. Thought he did a nice job of conveying the book.

Any additional comments?

I knew a simplified version of Darwin's life. I did like gaining a more well rounded view of him, his work and the others who developed similar theories.