Since its original publication in 1989, Evolution: The History of an Idea has been recognized as a comprehensive and authoritative source on the development and impact of this most controversial of scientific theories. This twentieth anniversary edition is updated with a new preface examining recent scholarship and trends within the study of evolution.

Peter J. Bowler is Reader in the History of Science at Queen's University, Belfast, and is well known on both sides of the Atlantic for his books on the history of evolutionism.

"Clarity of purpose and powers of organization shine forth from every page." Times Literary Supplement

"An up-to-date yet accessible introduction for the non-expert on the intellectual history of evolution and evolutionism."—American Journal of Psychology

"A rich and energetic survey of the history of evolutionary thought."—Journal of the History of Medicine

"This new edition makes an already excellent book even better."—Quarterly Review of Biology

"Combines skilled historical research with superior writing...synthesizing the complex, often emotion-filled strands of evolutionary theory into a noteworthy, updated whole."—Science Teacher