David Roche, Product Director, Waterstones
'Adventure, discovery and a heaped spoonful of learning are all here in this highly enjoyable and rewarding read'
Bernard Cornwell, author of The Last Kingdom, The Pale Horseman, and the Richard Sharpe series
Perhaps the best historical novel I have read…A stunning achievement of imagination and story-telling. A masterpiece.
Daily Telegraph
'It's an excellent read, in the traditions of Patrick O'Brian, and fully deserves its position on the Booker list'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
The Independent
The Spirit of Patrick O'Brian is not far away THIS THING OF DARKNESS IS... a superior adventure story'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
In 1831 Charles Darwin set off in HMS Beagle under the command of Captain Robert Fitzroy on a voyage that would change the world. Tory aristocrat Fitzroy was a staunch Christian who believed in the sanctity of the individual in a world created by God: Darwin the liberal cleric and natural historian went on to develop a theory of evolution that would cast doubt on the truth of the Bible and the descent of man. The friendship forged during their epic expeditions on land and sea turned into bitter enmity as Darwin's theories threatened to destroy everything Fitzroy stood for ...
From the Publisher
Long-listed for the Man Booker Prize 2005
Short-listed for the Pendleton May First Novel Award 2005 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Harry Thompson was a highly successful television producer 'Have I Got News for You, They Think It's All Over, Never Mind the Buzzcocks' and the author of a number of non-fiction bestsellers 'Peter Cook, The Biography'. He wrote for most of the national newspapers, especially on travel, and was nominated for Travel Journalist of the Year. He died in November 2005.
