The Voyage of the Beagle

It is “On the Origin of Species” — published in 1859 — for which Charles Darwin is best known. This work cemented the biologist's revolutionary ideas in the global consciousness and laid the groundwork for much of modern scientific study. But Darwin was already well-loved and well-respected by this point, thanks in no small part to his earlier volume — “The Voyage of the Beagle.”

Between 1831 and 1836, a young, adventurous Darwin served on the crew of the HMS Beagle, hoping to see the world before settling into his pre-ordained role as a parson. However, his experiences laid out a different path for him, and by the end of the voyage, Darwin had displayed the brilliance of his biological and paleontological understanding. He also proved to be a fastidious chronicler, keeping a comprehensive journal of the Beagle's progress. This journal — which, once edited, was packaged with a series of scientific sketches and diagrams and published for mass distribution — made Charles Darwin famous. In truth, however, an illustrious career was just beginning.