Evolution's Captain: The Story of the Kidnapping That Led to Charles Darwin's Voyage Aboard the Beagle – A Tragic Biography of the Captain Behind the Origin of Species

by Peter Nichols

This is the story of the man without whom the name Charles Darwin might be unknown to us today. That man was Captain Robert FitzRoy, who invited the 22-year-old Darwin to be his companion on board the Beagle . This is the remarkable story of how a misguided decision by Robert FitzRoy, captain of HMS Beagle , precipitated his employment of a young naturalist named Charles Darwin, and how the clash between FitzRoy’s fundamentalist views and Darwin’s discoveries led to FitzRoy’s descent into the abyss. One of the great ironies of history is that the famous journey—wherein Charles Darwin consolidated the earth-rattling ‘origin of the species’ discoveries—was conceived by another man: Robert FitzRoy. It was FitzRoy who chose Darwin for the journey—not because of Darwin’s scientific expertise, but because he seemed a suitable companion to help FitzRoy fight back the mental illness that had plagued his family for generations. Darwin did not give FitzRoy solace; indeed, the clash between the two men’s opposing views, together with the ramifications of Darwin’s revelations, provided FitzRoy with the final unendurable torment that forced him to end his own life.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Science, Evolution, Travel, History Of Science

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Peter Nichols is the author of the bestselling novel The Rocks, the nonfiction bestsellers A Voyage for Madmen, Evolution's Captain, and three other books of fiction, memoir, and non-fiction. His novel Voyage to the North Star was nominated for the Dublin IMPAC literary award. His journalism has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. He has an MFA degree from Antioch University Los Angeles, and has taught creative writing at Georgetown University, Bowdoin College, and New York University in Paris. Before turning to writing full time, he held a 100 ton USCG Ocean Operator’s licence and was a professional yacht delivery skipper for 10 years. He has also worked in advertising in London, as a screenwriter in Los Angeles, a shepherd in Wales. He has sailed alone in a small boat across the Atlantic and is a member of the Explorers Club of New York.

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are different echelons in the fame that men win. For his work on evolution, Charles Darwin is among the gods, who, however assailed my true believers of the fundamentalist religious persuasion, will be remembered alongside Newton, Galileo, and Harvey. But what of the man who was the Captain of the H.M.S. Beagle, the ship on which Darwin sailed on a five-year circumnavigation of the globe that included almost four years in Patagonia and Tierra Del Fuego.

Robert Fitzroy is remembered today primarily as the man who took Darwin on that journey that gave birth to Darwin's classic Voyage of the Beagle. What did he do on his own? Among his successes are the accurate mapping of the South American waterways that was so accurate that it was used for over a hundred years. Later in life, he founded the British Weather Service and was instrumental in making weather predictions that, at that time, were more accurate than had been seen.

The fly in the ointment in his life was a combination of rigid religious beliefs and a family predilection for suicide. Darwin's theories of evolution galled him to no end, and to be held responsible for giving him the opportunity to topple the superstructure of the Christian religion preyed on his mind. Between the voyage of the Beagle and his role as head of the British Weather Service, he had a series of notable failures, most particularly his governorship of New Zealand, from which he was cashiered after two years. Another failure was his attempt to bring several Fuegian Indians to England and return them to their native land to help spread Christianity. One of them, called Jemmy Button, was instead held responsible for a massacre of Christian missionaries at Woollya in 1859.

Nichols's biography made for an interesting read. At times I felt as if I were looking through the wrong end of a telescope, looking for Darwin and seeing Fitzroy instead. But that's what the book was ultimately about: As Ecclesiastes said, the race is not always to the swift. Fitzroy was perhaps not always swift, but he played a role, albeit secondary, that changed the world as we see it. I will think about that in November 2011, when I travel to Patagonia and view the Fitzroy Massif of the Andes from El Calafate.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain Robert FitzRoy is the "missing link" in the story of Charles Darwin's theory of Evolution. It can be argued that he was the man indirectly responsible for Darwin's theories (and there is evidence to show that he thought himself as such). The only problem is that he was an evangelical champion of Creationism, and despised the role he inadvertently played in helping Darwin with his "godless" theory.

FitzRoy was a wealthy Aristocrat with a Scientific mind, and an extraordinary talent for navigation. He took an outdated ship designed for the Napoleonic Wars (the Beagle) and refitted it (at his own expense) into the greatest scientific vessel of the day. His orders were to map the coastlines of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego (the most treacherous and remote coastline in the world), and upon successful completion of this task he was to circumnavigate the globe (at a time when Captains who had done so were so rare they were treated like Astronautic heroes returning from the moon).

Later, he was named Governor of New Zealand during a time of crisis with the Maori natives. Instead of wiping them out, (as was common practice by every empire including the United States) he sought a peaceful solution (which included giving back land unjustly taken from the Maoris). For his actions, he was recalled to England in disgrace. There's much more to the story, but as the book reads like fiction you'd be mad if I gave away the ending.

Nichols' book does a wonderful job showing that FitzRoy was a man who strove to "ennoble" the human race. He firmly believed (as did many scientists of the day) that Science's main task was to use it's technology and knowledge to reveal every aspect of God's designs upon the Earth. He could find (he would write to Darwin) nothing "ennobling" in man being descended from Apes.

FitzRoy was an idealist (perhaps even more so than Darwin), and Nichols' book does a lovely job bringing out the humanity (good and bad) in a man whose remarkable story has been made a footnote of history.

As a footnote to that, I will mention that this very story is the basis for Timberlake Wertenbaker's remarkable play, "After Darwin".

They are both great reads!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this history book on Fitzroy and Darwin and the Beagle by Nichols.

This long read was quite riveting and took many unanticipated turns and pursued numerous but informative tangents to round out the characters. This felt like a passion project by a well respected author and I say that in a positive and honored way. I did not expect so much insight on the Native Americans in Tierra del Fuego and three of them play a major role in the story.

I am currently on a trekking trip in Sur Patagonia and was able to see the Straits of Magellan. This book's events mainly take place a hundred miles south along the Beagle Straits which virtually no one sails today because of the foul weather.

5 stars. Highly recommended.

[Nathan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Again, an historian bets on the obscurity of his subject to make his book and loses. Ostensibly the story of one Robert FitzRoy, captain of Darwin's ship the Beagle, this disorganized book turn out to be mostly the story of the controversies surrounding Darwin himself, the particulars of the expedition and the subsequent reaction to the newly-formulated theory of evolution. FitzRoy's story is interwoven throughout, but not skillfully so. The plotting is busy,and the prose too dry and generic to handle it well.

The book does drive home the seriousness of the controversy evolution stirred up. That in itself is worth some study, but along with the loosely-constricted narratives of contemporary popular science, religious reactions to evolution both contemporary and current and the tale of a voyage, it gets lost in a mix of too much information delivered in a humdrum monotone.

A piece of a fascinating puzzle, but not a convincingly important one, and not much of an interesting one.

[Andrew Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, thoroughly enjoyable story about the captain of HMS Beagle and his travels around the world. An excellent surveyor of South Amerce, a noted meteorologist and deeply troubled man, was a host to Charles Darwin's voyage of discovery, which led him to his theory of evolution. Darwin was engaged by Fitzroy, on his second trip to map the straits of Magellan, as an intelligent companion to collect the samples of plants and insects from the new world.

The ship sailed through Cape Verde Islands to Bahia de Todos Santos (present-day Salvador). They made lengthy stops in Rio de Janeiro and Montevideo, while Darwin explored Brazilian rain forests and Argentine pampas. Then they sailed to Falklands and followed to Magellan Straits, where Fitzroy continued his surveying work. After almost five years they finally left South America and sailed the Galapagos Islands (where they spend only 34 days), and then to Tahiti and New Zealand, followed by Sydney and Hobart, and returned to England on second of October 1836.

During his first trip to Magellan Straits, Fitzroy kidnapped four young natives and took them home to be educated and then returned to their homelands to spread "the civilisation" among their countrymen. One of them, named Boat Memory, and aged 20, died of small pox shortly after arriving in England, the other three: a boy of 14, named James Button, a man of 26 - York Minster, and a girl of 9 - Fuegia Basket, were thought the language, arithmetic, religion and customs of their hosts. They were presented to the king, William IV and his wife, Queen Adelaide. One year later the plans to educate the young natives for two or three years, suddenly changed. Fuega was isolated from York Minster and it was decided to return them much sooner. This led to the second trip of Fitzroy and engagement of Darwin.

After returning the young people, the efforts to convert the natives continued. An unsuccessful attempt by Allen Gardiner and his five companions perished of hunger. Another one led by the reverend George Packenham Despard, led to all but one killed by the natives.

Fitzroy's career initially flourished. He became the governor of New Zealand, but his generosity towards the natives led to his dismissal and return to England. He became the chief of meteorological department and developed reliable weather forecasts. With time his views on religion led him to take the Bible and creation literally and became scandalised by Darwin's new theory of evolution. With his friends being promoted all around him and his forecasts not considered as important as Darwin's theory he got so depressed that in the end he committed suicide.

[Eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't able to finish this. I had started it but it failed to grab me. I hate not finishing a book but finally succumbed to the realization that there are so many other books I want to read that there is no sense is forcing myself to read something I am not fond of.

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert FitzRoy was a brilliant, fascinating and complex man. While this book focusses primarily on his role as the Captain of 'HMS Beagle' during two voyages (the second included Charles Darwin), it includes other aspects of his career and life.

Mr Nichols presents the facts - especially those related to the voyages of HMS Beagle - well. While acknowledging the later differences between Darwin and FitzRoy, the facts are presented impartially. In summary, we owe a great deal to the collaboration between Darwin and FitzRoy. The fact that their complementary skills and intellects were only combined through a form of coincidental opportunities is the purest serendipity.

Highly recommended to those who would like to know more about the events and circumstances behind Darwin's voyage on HMS Beagle as well as the voyage itself.

Some years ago, I read as much as I could about Robert FitzRoy, and can recommend the following two books as well:

This is a novel about Robert Fitzroy:

This Thing of Darkness

This is a biography of the HMS Beagle herself:

HMS "Beagle" (Voyages S.)

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Note: I read this book and wrote this review back in 2007

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Nichols has a knack for highlighting the pathos in the lives of tortured sailors. In A Voyage for Madmen, he shows us the characters of the lost Donald Crowhurst and the ethically tormented Bernard Moitessier in far greater relief than he does the eventual winner of the first Vendee Globe, Robin Knox-Johnston. The same focus holds true for Evolution's Captain: we see the tragic descent of the second captain of the Beagle, Robert FitzRoy into madness, despite his efforts to avoid the depression that FitzRoy sees looming.

The portrayal of Charles Darwin is a little bland, just as was the portrayal of Knox-Johnston in Madmen, but this is fine. FitzRoy gets his chance in the limelight, and we can see how important his contributions to maritime and meteorological science was.

To add to Nichols' sympathetic tragedians are the three kidnapped Fuegian Indians. Despite a slight dearth of information about these three, Nichols is able to lead the reader through conclusions about their very human and complex motives and actions.

Couldn't put this down and read it in one sitting (with tea breaks).

[Russ Jarvis · Rating 2 out of 5]

An innovative approach to a controversial issue through examining the life of the captain of the HMS Beagle. Part one covers the career of Captain FitzRoy and provides a detailed understanding of his character and personality. Also included is the early life of Charles Darwin. It helps the reader view the humanity of one who has become larger than life.

The second half is weaker. The content shifts to Darwin and his change from devout Christian to founder of atheistic evolution. This could have been portrayed more thoroughly considering that this is the major focus of the rest of the book. I saw Captain FitzRoy becoming a figure representing those who will become extinct because they hold onto a supposedly inadequate and inconsistent belief system. While his kind die out, the more fit (atheistic evolutionists?) survive.

The author describes the seas of the southern latitudes in a way that I could feel the spray and the gales, but his attempt to address the evolution-creation controversy left me in the doldrums.

[Lou Yonke · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is about the peripherals around Charles Darwin's historic voyage, about the ship's previous voyage, the kidnapping of the natives at the southern tip of South America, and the captain's regret, disappointment, and ultimate suicide. I like historic nonfiction, but this wasn't my favorite. I can not recommend this book.

[Shyamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, despite the mixing of facts and storytelling. The kidnap of York Minster, Jemmy Button, Fuegia Basket, and Boat Memory was a story that needed telling. One hopes that the atrocious kidnap of John Andaman will be written about too.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really found this quite compelling. Well written, with a lot of historical details that touches on Charles Darwin's work.

[Patricia Goodman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a book I would have chosen on my own, but it was a book club selection. Some interesting parts but way too many characters and too many details (both scientific and religious).

[Joan Yokom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a lot

[Cindy Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written book about something I may not have read if I hadn’t been in South America. It is a good account of some important history.

[Joseph Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Straits of Magellan is an important but treacherous sea route, offering rare and natural passage from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean. Even now with the most modern GPS navigation equipment it’s difficult sailing. In the days of the theodolite and sand-based chronometer, it must have been unimaginably harder.
It’s an area historically known to play tricks on the mind, and to work on even the hardiest nerves. Captain Robert Fitzroy was sent there to map its most convoluted contours as a surveyor because he was a quite capable seaman. He also, however, had a high-strung constitution, a fragile, easily-wounded ego, and a sensitive temperament. Compounding the problem was that he also had a bit of the missionary’s zeal, and hoped to bring Christendom to the heathens of the land.
He succeeded in his mission—at no small peril to him and his ship’s compliment—then promptly prepared for another voyage to give an even more detailed survey. This time, however, he wanted a helpmate, an intellectually inclined, well-bred gentleman, who, unlike the crew, could wax on subjects besides sodomy and antiscorbutics.
After several men turned down his offer or proved unsuitable, a young, fairly inauspicious naturist took up the call. Little did he (or Fitzroy) know that he would change the course of human history, perhaps more than any other man before or after.
Evolution’s Captain is the story of Robert Fitzroy, a man of means, property, and no small intellectual ability and courage, and his tempestuous relationship with Charles Darwin. At the beginning of his life, Fitzroy seemed to have it all, a ship at his command, the blessings of the monarch, and a sterling reputation. By the end of his life he would live in semi-seclusion, mocked for his retrograde political and scientific beliefs, predestined by heredity to a dark fate. The book follows him from his early successes in Tierra Del Fuego, and his dealings with the people who lived there. He took several of them back with him to England as specimens whom he hoped to civilize and improve. He succeeded only in mostly confusing the poor people and leaving them rudderless in a completely alien world. In the process, he also almost nearly bankrupted himself and squandered the goodwill of his patrons.
Worst of all (from his perspective) he provided safe passage for the man whose scientific discovery would forever after challenge the idea of a divine, unseen hand in human affairs. The middle portion of the book follows the development of this relationship between Fitzroy and Darwin. It began cordially enough, then grew into a more consanguine but still platonic love, before souring when disagreement gave way to quarrel, and quarrel to existential crisis. For just as it is a book about two men, it is about their time, the end of the Edwardian and heart of the Victorian eras. It was a time in which England’s reach over the world became consummate and complete, but also one in which England was in rapid and chaotic flux. The steam train didn’t totally supplant the horse and carriage, but it sounded the beast’s death knell as a general means of transport loud and shrill; the firm and fixed belief in the blessings of divine favor also disappeared, as even churchgoing people began to waver in their belief of the Bible as both divine and literal.
One man’s reputation would soar during this period, while the other’s would plummet. Some of it would be due to Fitzroy’s hubris, author Peter Nichols argues. But some of it is undeserved, and the book functions as a poignant corrective to the maltreatment the earnest and missionary Fitzroy suffered in his own day.
It obviously does the long-dead Fitzroy no good, but neither does it do him (or Darwin) any harm. Poor Fitzroy was also a pioneer in the nascent science of meteorology whose system and sayings remain part and parcel of the serious sailor’s trade even to this day. At the time, though, he was treated as something of a quack and sham soothsayer, but the passage of the ages has proven the veracity of his system. His contribution is perhaps not as great or earthshattering as Darwin’s, but in many ways is of more practical use, and has certainly saved many lives at sea. It also shows that this was not a straightforward, Manichean tale of contrast between a superstitious fundamentalist and a rational man of science. Fitzroy was very much a man of science, too, and in some ways was more practical and talented than Darwin. He just could not countenance man as the plaything of nature’s caprice, a survivor of an undirected struggle from single-cell to monkey to civilized creature.
Here then is his story, with its many early triumphs and its later and more numerous tragedies. Recommended, with illustrations and sketches, some of which are featured in Darwin’s famed book on the voyage of the Beagle to the Galapagos Islands.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without Robert FitzRoy there might not have been “a Darwin”. This book shows the complex character of this 19th century aristocrat who provided Darwin’s opportunity. It follows FitzRoy’s Beagle voyages to his “post Beagle” life. This includes his governorship of New Zealand, his founding of the British Weather Service, his objections to Darwin’s theory and how he dies at age 59.

At age 23, FitzRoy became Captain of the Beagle which was exploring along the southern tip of South America. Its captain had committed suicide. Before returning to England almost two years later he had proved his skills as a surveyor and commander.

He brought 3 young native Fuegians with him to England to civilize and Christianize them. He dressed them as proper British young people and taught them English. They became popular curiosities.

The second voyage of the Beagle, was originally designed to return the Fuegians (due to bad behavior of the oldest boy). A naval commission for charting the passage to the Pacific was added at the behest of an influential relative. Another added goal was the founding of a mission to Christianize the native tribes.

FitzRoy, being young (26 years) and interested in science sought a scientist and companion for the voyage. He found Charles Darwin through connections. Darwin was also very young (21 years) and a passionate observer and collector in the area of natural science.

The book details the outfitting of the ship, the treacherous voyage and the skill needed to navigate and chart rocky passages. The eventful 5 year voyage included storms, trouble with the natives, damage and loss of equipment and of course, the Galapagos visit. All the while FitzRoy was making charts that would be used for the next 100 years and Darwin collected plant, insect and animal specimens that eventually became museum collections.

There are ups and downs in the FitzRoy-Darwin relationship showing the Captain’s rigidity and temper. There is a lot on how Darwin collected his specimens and arranged for their return to England.

The rocky relationship with the Fuegians is predictable through our modern lens, but not to FitzRoy. He does not see the difficult position of the three returning natives, who are dressed in the era's finery, when they return to their naked tribes.. The ideal of building a mission clashes with reality.

Upon his return to England there are setbacks: He does not get re-imbursed for considerable expenses. He has trouble obtaining another post. Darwin’s book on the voyage outsells FitzRoy’s.

Finally there is an appointment as Governor of New Zealand, but it doesn’t end well. Later there is a position to head a new department for collecting weather data. Here he had many accomplishments such as early attempts to predict weather - but they were under appreciated.

Saddest of all was his very public conflict with Darwin over his theory of evolution.

Despite his many accomplishments, his promotions in rank in the British Navy and what seemed to be a good marriage he suffered from depression.

The book has two maps: One showing the difficult passage around the coast, the other the circumnavigation route. There are sketches of scenes of Terra del Fuego, Darwin, FitzRoy, the 3 Fuegians. and one showing the detail of Darwin's specimens. There is no index. Sources for quotes are usually cited, but there are no footnotes. There is a list of sources.

This book is of interest for its portrait of a 19th century aristocrat as well as for the adventure of the voyages of discovery. There is insight on ship life of this era and culture clashes with the natives. It is easily readable with page turning episodes.

[Anne Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the story behind the scenes of Darwin's famous expedition and the captain of the Beagle. "Evolution's Captain" follows Captain Fitzroy through two trips to Tierra del Fuego, the unplanned kidnapping of three Fuegians, bringing them back to England to "educate and civilize" them (meaning learning to be an English Christian), and how returning them to Tierra del Fuego was the real purpose behind the Beagle's second journey. I liked that, despite temptation to follow the more famous Darwin, the book stays on track and follows Fitroy through his ups and downs- including facing the changing scientific scene his journey helped men like Darwin bring about. "Evolution's Captain" spends a lot of time exploring the cultural and religious phase England was in during Fitzroy's lifetime and helping to put the Beagle's expeditions into the perspective of the time- and I love when an author can do this successfully. My only complaint is one I often have with histories or biographies- Nichols tends to allow foreshadowing to creep into his writing (especially at the end of chapters). The common "if only they knew", "this would change everything" type of remarks always annoy me, although Nichols does it less than some biographies I've read.

A fascinating book, and a must read for people interested in England of the 1820s-1860s, sea exploration, and South America.

[Katherine Basto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading "Evolution's Captain" the story of Captain Fitzroy, the commander of the ship, "The Beagle." But it was also the story about the Fuegian captives that spent two years in England before being returned to the treacherous waters and coast of the Tierra Del Fuego, on the east side of South America. Of course, Charles Darwin features prominently as well in the historical context of the changing beliefs in creation, transmutation and evolution that included other prominent writers and geologists of the time. The author does a great job contrasting the increasing disbelief of God that Darwin experienced versus the Captain who based much of his own theories on Genesis, the book of God's creation.
The main issue I had with the book was there were just so many extracts that it became distracting from the story. In fact, toward the end I started skipping them; they were just too involved. I also think the map included could have been more involved and comprehensive.
It's clear Captain Fitzroy never got the proper credit for all his work. He became a footnote to the future success of Charles Darwin And the dark strain of the Captain's family's mental illness that flowed through his bloodstream finally got the best of him. Well done!

[Hollay Ghadery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book twice and have gained something new each time. It's haunting: the tale of Fitz Roy himself, but also that of Cpt. Pringle Stokes (I want to learn more about him) and the three (initially four) indigenous people Fitz Roy brought back with him to England. Darwin's part of this story was interesting less, but I was less concerned with it than that of the colonizer story. And it was brutal. The only reason I am not giving this five stars, in fact, is that I believe not enough emphasis was put on just how barbaric Fitz-Roy's "white man's burden" truly was--though Nichols does acknowledge the harm caused by colonizers. I also feel like he doesn't really give HIS opinion on it. Or maybe he does, and it simply isn't as revolted as mine. So many crimes committed in the name of the British empire and yes, he acknowledges that but I suppose I wanted him, with his writing, to stand up against it a little more.

This internal debate of mine is perhaps why I reread it recently. I am clearly still working toward an answer. Regardless, the writing is good and I'd recommend it, with my mixed feelings noted, to anyone.

[Mark Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating, comprehensive and always sympathetic biography of one of the most consequential Royal Navy captains of the 19th Century. If not for FitzRoy's willingness to take on board and provide constant support a very green naturalist we may not now know the name of Charles Darwin. That they had a major public falling-out over Darwin's theory of evolution by way of natural selection changes nothing about their twin role in making the voyage of the Beagle so famous.

The recounting of FitzRoy's resilience and skill in charting the challenging costs of southern South America seemed a bit long to me but I certainly felt this section did an admirable job outlining his interactions with the indigenous peoples including FitsRoy's role in transporting some of them to and from the UK.

While in many ways FitzRoy's story is filed with personal and professional tragedy his pivotal role, later in life, in the field of marine meteorology underlines what an important and relatively unsung role he played in building the modern world.

[Luke Tonsfeldt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting insights into the character of Darwin and Fitzroy, and a fascinating and often disturbing reminder of the colonial mindset of Victorian England. It’s also a great reminder that in many ways, the ideological and theological disputes between Darwin and Fitzroy continue today.

There seems to be very little input from modern indigenous inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego, which is where I thought this book suffered from the most. I would have loved more of an attempt to explain the indigenous character’s actions from the context of their own cultural background, even if the only documentation that exists is from the colonizer perspective.

Still, as a scientist who interacts with Darwin’s theories on an almost daily basis, this was a unique look into him as a man, and a great historical nonfiction novel!

[Denise Sudbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been sitting in my in process file for too long. Once I got back to it, I seemed to be getting more out of it than before. Nichols filled in some curious gaps in my understanding of Darwin and Victorian England in general. (I had no idea the origins of such weather sayings as "red sky in the morning.") For some strange reason the story of the Beagle can tend to take on a life of its own, as if it sailed itself. FitzRoy is a tragic and heroic figure together, which just serves his humanity so much better.

[Linipoos · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the hardback version I bought second hand, it has an illustration at the front saying 'the four Feugians' and refers to them being at school - I already knew that Boat Memory died before that (sadly) so I put off reading this book for ages. I'm interested in Darwin and the Feugians so eventually read it, expecting it to be full of mistakes - and was delighted to be wrong. It's a wonderful book and I felt so sorry for Fitzroy. I will listen to Radio 4's shipping forecast now thinking of him. The author was let down badly by his publishers for choosing this frontispiece!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read, even though a bit sad. Interesting to read about the man who captained the 'Beagle', created the precursor to the Met office, and shipping forecasts (if you're interested in that, you should also read 'Attention all shipping' by Charlie Connelly). This was a great book describing a man who did so much but was also fighting his own demons.

[Colleen Bliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of the Captain of the Beagle who chose Darwin to accompany him in this 5 year voyage. Fascinating and heroic of these men to sail through the straits of Magellan. The details are fascinating. Tragic story of capturing Yamana natives and taking them to England. Told so innocently with Christian intentions. So devastating to them.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad that I finally pulled this book off of my shelf to read. It has given me valuable insight into the character, as well as the trials and tribulations, of Captain Robert FitzRoy who was responsible for taking Charles Darwin around the world on the H.M.S. Beagle. It's wonderful when a story helps to provide a better understanding and picture of a voyage of such historical significance.

[EZ E · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read

After viewing the grandeur of Mt. Fitzroy in Patagonia, traversing the Beagle channel, and visiting the Southernmost city of Ushuaia, this book gave incredible insights into the discovery of the region and native populations. A tragic tale of Fitzroy and how stubborn viewpoints can lead to a bad end.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting. Excellent story of the commander of the Beagle and the voyages with Darwin, and their lives after returning to England. Not particularly well written, could have been edited to make a much shorter and more concise book,while being clearer and still telling all the necessary parts of the story.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always Peter Nichols has a superb writing style. He clearly has a profound intellect and a gift with words. At the same time, I found that compared to some of his other books this one meandered a bit. Still, an amazing story to have found and told, and an enjoyable read for sure.