The Beak of the Finch

By Jonathan Weiner,

Book cover of The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time

Book description

PULITZER PRIZE WINNER • A dramatic story of groundbreaking scientific research of Darwin's discovery of evolution that "spark[s] not just the intellect, but the imagination" (Washington Post Book World).
 
“Admirable and much-needed.... Weiner’s triumph is to reveal how evolution and science work, and to let them speak clearly for themselves.”—The…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Beak of the Finch as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

When I was in the Galapagos, I volunteered to help scientists study the finches on Daphne Major Island. There were just two of us on an island surrounded by sharks. Every Darwin's finch had been ringed, and I had to observe what they ate. It was an experience that has left an indelible mark on my psyche.

The research was part of a project by Peter and Rosemary Grant, who spent twenty years following in Darwin's footsteps. Not only did they demonstrate the robustness of his theory, but they also showed that the process works in decades, not millennia.

Jonathan…

From David's list on the Galápagos Islands.

Want books like The Beak of the Finch?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Beak of the Finch.

Browse books like The Beak of the Finch

Book cover of The Voyage of the Beagle
Book cover of My Father's Island
Book cover of Galápagos

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,525

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in evolution, the Galápagos Islands, and evolutionary biology?

Evolution 156 books