From the back cover:

Perhaps the most readable and accessible of the great works of scientific imagination, The Origin of Species sold out on the day it was published in 1859. Theologians quickly labeled Charles Darwin the most dangerous man in England, and, as the Saturday Review noted, the uproar over the book quickly "passed beyond the bounds of the study and lecture-room into the drawing-room and the public street." Yet, after reading it, Darwin's friend and colleague T. H. Huxley had a different reaction: "How extremely stupid not to have thought of that."

Based largely on Darwin's experience as a naturalist while on a five-year voyage aboard H. M. S. Beagle. The Origin of Species set forth a theory of evolution and natural selection that challenged contemporary beliefs about divine providence and the immutability of species. A landmark contribution to philosophical and scientific thought, this edition also includes an introductory historical sketch and a glossary Darwin later added to the original text.

Reserved for the Banned Books Month Challenge.

Amazingly, this book isn't currently on any banned books lists that I could find. However, it was illegal to teach the concept of evolution in the state of Tennessee from 1925-1967, and it's still a controversial subject today in certain circles.

Here's a link to more information about the Scopes Monkey Trial, and one about the evolution controversy.

RELEASE NOTES:

I left this book on a table inside of the downtown Starbucks.

I'm new to Bookcrossings, so I found this "catch" to be the most thrilling experience! When I got the Release Alert via e-mail, I was on my way to the neighborhood anyway on an errand. Even so, I was so surprised and delighted to actually find the book when I got there.

I've managed to avoid reading "The Origin of Species" my whole life, leaning as I have more to the arts than the sciences. But I can resist no longer: this book is referenced far too often in literature and history to be overlooked.

Thanks, SheWhoReads!