Darwin (Vintage Classics)
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Review
`these poems are a subtle, revealing accompaniment to any biography of the man' -- Vogue
'they [the poems] convey what a sensitive, wondering, reverent observer Darwin was of life-forms' --The Oldie
'A real gem'
--The Times
'they [the poems] convey what a sensitive, wondering, reverent observer Darwin was of life-forms' --The Oldie
'A real gem'
--The Times
Review
`a deft act of collaboration between the living and the dead, one melding easily with the other'.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I reckon this little book is pretty extraordinary - beautiful and concise, it functions as both an informative biography and a loving tribute to a great man. It's easy to read, moving and vivid - if you're sick of all the Darwin hype, but nonetheless intrigued to know what all the fuss is about, read this.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
These poems are beautiful: intelligent, moving and - as a biography - original. I also found the whole book a gripping read and sense that I have learnt a lot about Darwin.
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Emma Darwin can rest happy. She and Charles indeed "belong to each other for eternity" (her worried note to him about salvation - he kept it until the day he died), through this touching tribute from their great-great grand-daughter, Ruth Padel. One can imagine the interplay of their emotions reading it together - delight in memories of their ten children, but muscles contracting in sorrow at the three who died young. She will remember with relief the pains of childbirth and Charles be gladly free of his unwelcome daily companion since South America, Chagas disease.
This "life in poems" is a strange but compelling hybrid genre: if it were a segmented worm with iridescent wings it would undoubtedly be named as a new species. Some of the language is that of a writer already known for her naturalist' s eye and poet's ear, used here to recreate the effect on Darwin of the tropical rainforest:
"Leaves of all textures that a leaf
could be: palm, fluff, prickle, matte and plume;
bobbled; shaggy plush. A thousand shades
of ochre, silver, emerald, smoky brass.
He's walking into every dream he's ever seen."
Yet many of the poems are partially "found" ones, full of phrases straight from Darwin or others. A light but reassuring narrative thread is provided by notes running down the side of many poems, as well as by evocative titles: "A Quarrel in Bahia Harbour" shows Darwin making his opposition to slavery clear to Captain Fitzroy; "A Spot of Malaria in the Moluccas" leads into the fateful letter showing Darwin that Alfred Russel Wallace had also realised the mechanism by which species could change. It is no surprise that Charles' and Emma's genes should have helped shape such a well-crafted and affectionate bicentennial portrait. I read it at one sitting.
This "life in poems" is a strange but compelling hybrid genre: if it were a segmented worm with iridescent wings it would undoubtedly be named as a new species. Some of the language is that of a writer already known for her naturalist' s eye and poet's ear, used here to recreate the effect on Darwin of the tropical rainforest:
"Leaves of all textures that a leaf
could be: palm, fluff, prickle, matte and plume;
bobbled; shaggy plush. A thousand shades
of ochre, silver, emerald, smoky brass.
He's walking into every dream he's ever seen."
Yet many of the poems are partially "found" ones, full of phrases straight from Darwin or others. A light but reassuring narrative thread is provided by notes running down the side of many poems, as well as by evocative titles: "A Quarrel in Bahia Harbour" shows Darwin making his opposition to slavery clear to Captain Fitzroy; "A Spot of Malaria in the Moluccas" leads into the fateful letter showing Darwin that Alfred Russel Wallace had also realised the mechanism by which species could change. It is no surprise that Charles' and Emma's genes should have helped shape such a well-crafted and affectionate bicentennial portrait. I read it at one sitting.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Darwin fans read this.
I chanced on this remarkable book whilst searching for books on Darwin on Amazon. To find a descendent with such a deep understanding of the personality of an ancestor and... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Richard
Darwin and evolution
There are excellent biographies of Darwin and there are many science poems, yet on both counts Ruth Padel breaks new ground. Read more
Published on 9 Aug 2009 by S. Altmann
Lovingly realised biography
Ruth Padel gives us a most enjoyable (and concise) guided tour through her illustrious ancestor's life. Read more
Published on 1 Jun 2009 by Kevin James
cheesy and obvious poetic targets the comparison with any great poet...
Procrustes himself could not have stretched one theme into such thin and cliched poetry.
Not worth further reviewing.
Mark Fyffe MA MD DPhil (Oxon)
Not worth further reviewing.
Mark Fyffe MA MD DPhil (Oxon)
Published on 25 May 2009 by James Fyffe
RAVE REVIEW
This book is so exciting! I am a scientist with a strong appreciation of Darwin's work. However, prior to reading this, I had no real interest in Darwin the man. Read more
Published on 14 April 2009 by vital.spark
Darwinian Delight
The Darwins are a talented bunch. When not engaged in the production of distinguished scientists, they do a not half bad job of turning out gifted wordsmiths. Read more
Published on 5 April 2009 by hbw
Darwin by Ruth Padel
A memorable (1) tribute to a very great man. Both author and subject are creative, original, and loving.
(1) Auden once described poetry as 'memorable speech'.
(1) Auden once described poetry as 'memorable speech'.
Published on 3 April 2009 by R. N. Wood
Darwin understood
This wonderful book is a biographical use of poetry to move through significant moments and experiences in the life of our greatest scientist, with empathy for his situation. Read more
Published on 12 Mar 2009 by JILL Paton Walsh
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