On the Origin of SpeciesOn the Origin of Species
Score Classic
What it's about
In 1859 Charles Darwin published his theory that species aren't fixed but change over time through natural selection: individuals vary, more are born than can survive, and those best suited to their environment live to pass on their traits. He builds the case patiently, from pigeon breeding to fossils to the animals of remote islands.
Why it's worth reading
It's on the Guardian's list of the best nonfiction of all time and is one of the most important books ever written. It changed how humans understand life itself.
You'll love it if you liked
The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time
The Selfish Gene
Darwin's Dangerous IdeaGood to know
It's written in Victorian prose, and the long sections on breeding and classification are slow. The first edition is shorter and clearer than later ones.
By the numbers
- Readers46 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics51 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller27 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
Why it made the list
Reads as
True story
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Quick answers
Is On the Origin of Species worth reading?
Yes. It's on the Guardian's list of the best nonfiction of all time and is one of the most important books ever written. It ranks #1,388 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 69.2 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is On the Origin of Species about?
In 1859 Charles Darwin published his theory that species aren't fixed but change over time through natural selection: individuals vary, more are born than can survive, and those best suited to their environment live to pass on their traits. He builds the case patiently, from pigeon breeding to fossils to the animals of remote islands.
How long does it take to read On the Origin of Species?
About 10 hours (393 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after On the Origin of Species?
If you liked it, try The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time by Jonathan Weiner, The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins or Darwin's Dangerous Idea by Daniel Dennett.