Darwin the Writer

The passion with which he writes is engaging and, while enthusiastic, never excessive ... through his analysis of key elements of Darwin's writing and showing how they impacted on other literary authors, Levine is able to demonstrate a new way to read Darwin's works - as literature ... Levine's approach enables Darwin to be examined for his prose alone and demonstrates why the way in which Darwin's ideas were presented was, and remains, so significant ... Through this passionate and tireless work, he puts forward an excellent case for simply reading Darwin. * Katherine Ford, British Society for Literature and Science *
This marvelling, attentive study not only paints Darwin in the round: it reminds us of the importance of language in shaping modern science, and gets us asking again what makes great literature. * Angelique Richardson, Times Literary Supplement *
Its success springs from the form of its argument and the nature of its language as well as from the power of its ideas. * Jonathan Smith, Review 19 *
Triumphantly, George Levine's latest Darwinian study shows why both men should be read, and enjoyed - by those who deny evolution, and those who take it for granted. Rarely is textual analysis so exhilarating. * Christopher Hawtree, The Independent *
Levine is most provocative when he contrasts Darwin's articulation of natural selection with accounts that have followed * New Scientist *
Recommended * J.S. Schwartz, Choice *