I hear that Ladies think it delightful reading, but that it does not do to talk about it, which no doubt promotes the sale.   In 1871 Darwin published Descent, his long-awaited book on human evolution, and all 2500 copies … Continue reading →

  In 1872, Samuel Butler wrote to Darwin about his book Erewhon, which had just been published, to explain that his chapter on the rise of machines was not anti-Darwinian as many critics thought but a pro-Darwinian satire. Excusing his … Continue reading →