The Autobiography of Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin (1809 - 1882)

The Autobiography of Charles Darwin is the autobiography of the British naturalist Charles Darwin which was published in 1887, five years after his death.

Darwin wrote the book, which he entitled Recollections of the Development of my Mind and Character, for his family. He states that he started writing it on about May 28, 1876 and had finished it by August 3.

The book was edited by Charles Darwin's son Francis Darwin, who removed several passages about Darwin's critical views of God and Christianity (see Charles Darwin's views on religion). It was published in London by John Murray as part of The life and letters of Charles Darwin, including an autobiographical chapter.

The omitted passages were later restored by Darwin's granddaughter Nora Barlow in a 1958 edition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Origin. This edition was published in London by Collins under the title of The Autobiography of Charles Darwin 1809-1882. With the original omissions restored. Edited and with appendix and notes by his granddaughter Nora Barlow.

The original is in the public domain as its copyright has expired, but the later version remains under copyright. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Genre(s): Biography & Autobiography

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 01 - Preface LivelyHive
00:37:40
Play 02 02 - Cambridge 1828-1831 LivelyHive
00:27:19
Play 03 03 - Voyage of the 'Beagle' from December 27, 1831, to October 2, 1836 LivelyHive
00:16:25
Play 04 04 - From my return to England, October 2, 1836 ... to our settling at Down, September 14, 1842. LivelyHive
00:23:21
Play 05 05 - My Several Publications LivelyHive
00:38:02
Play 06 06 - Written May 1st, 1881 LivelyHive
00:22:06