On the Origin of Species
First published in 1859, Charles Darwin's book presents the theory of evolution by natural selection. Drawing on observations from his voyage on HMS Beagle, his study of domestic breeding, and years of patient research, Darwin argues that living things vary, that more offspring are born than can survive, and that those with favorable traits are more likely to reproduce. Over long stretches of time, this process can produce new species from common ancestors. Darwin writes carefully and addresses objections directly, building his case from pigeons and barnacles to the geological record. The book reshaped biology and remains one of the most consequential works of science ever written. It was a bestseller in its own time and continues to be read as the foundation of modern evolutionary thought.
What you might want to know about On the Origin of Species
The questions readers send us most often, answered without spoilers.
Charles Darwin lays out his theory that species change over time through natural selection acting on inherited variation.
No. Herbert Spencer coined it, and Darwin later adopted the phrase in editions of the book to describe natural selection.
The prose is dense and Victorian, but Darwin writes clearly and the argument remains accessible to a patient general reader.
On the Origin of Species was written by Charles Darwin, published in 1859 by John Murray.
On the Origin of Species is 502 pages in standard print editions, though page counts vary slightly between hardcover, paperback, and large-print formats.
At an average reading pace of about 250 words per minute, On the Origin of Species takes most readers 8 to 11 hours to finish.
On the Origin of Species is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats from Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, and most major bookstores.
