At a moment of great discovery, one Big Idea can change the world...When it was first published, Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, with its now commonplace central idea of 'natural selection', scandalised the world. But in the context of modern times, how do we grasp just how original and daring it was in 1859? "Darwin & Evolution" is a riveting look into the life of Charles Darwin and his reluctant rise from being a quiet and eccentric bug enthusiast to one of the greatest scientists of all time. "Darwin's Big Idea" is explained in a straightforward and gripping style, providing an account of the importance of his groundbreaking voyage on HMS Beagle, and the implications of his revolutionary concept of evolution. "The Big Idea" series is a fascinating look at the greatest advances in our scientific history, and at the men and women who made these fundamental breakthroughs.

Paul Strathern was born in London and studied philosophy at Trinity College, Dublin. He was a lecturer at Kingston University where he taught philosophy and mathematics. He is a Somerset Maugham prize-winning novelist of A Season in Abyssinia, as well as four other novels. He is also the author of the Philosophers in 90 Minutes series.He wrote Mendeleyev's Dream which was shortlisted for the Aventis Science Book Prize, Dr. Strangelove's Game: A History of Economic Genius, The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance, Napoleon in Egypt and most recently, The Artist, The Philosopher and The Warrior, which details the convergence of three of Renaissance Italy's most brilliant minds: Leonardo Da Vinci, Niccolo Machiavelli and Cesare Borgia. He lives in London and has three grandchildren.