This is a very readable biography of Charles Darwin and his wife, Emma. It was a National Book Award Finalist. The author approaches the subject from the point of view of their relationship and their marriage, and the strengths that their differences brought to the table.
Though first cousins, the two were quite different: Darwin was the scientist and
Emma was the religious one. They had 10 children, but only 7 survived to
adulthood, as was typical of that time (Darwin was actually born the same day as
Abraham Lincoln, on Feb. 12, 1809 (I think I have that date right!) so his
children were born in the early 19th century as well). They were very warm and
loving and attentive to their children, quite the opposite of the Victorian
custom of the time which stated that children should be "seen and not heard" and
often relegated just to the nursery and nannies. Emma finally came to believe
that God *could* still be behind evolution as her husband was describing, and,
in kind, she urged him to always keep the door open to religion, b/c she did not
want to think of spending the afterlife without him. I really enjoyed reading
this book. They seemed like really lovely interesting people, and I always feel
like I remember things like "cold" facts and theories and dates, etc. much
better when I can remember the stories and the personalities behind them. I'll
always think of the two of them and their family now whenever I hear, read
about, or discuss the topic of evolution and THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES. PS
Interestingly, Emma's maiden name was Wedgwood; her grandfather started the
Wedgwood china company!