When the HMS Beagle sailed out of Devonport on December 27, 1831, Charles Darwin was only twenty-two and setting off on the voyage of a lifetime. Darwin's remarkable voyage throughout South America and the Pacific islands lasted five years and transformed him from an amiable and somewhat aimless young man into a scientific celebrity. Even more vitally, it set in motion the intellectual currents that culminated in the arrival of The Origin of Species, which detailed Darwin's revolutionary theory of natural selection, in 1859. During his years on the Beagle, Darwin kept a journal that is now considered by many to be the greatest scientific travel narrative ever written. Revised by the author in 1860 and published as The Voyage of the Beagle, his records are vivid and immediate. This account of the journeys that first put Darwin on the track of his remarkable theories derives an added charm from his vivid description of his travels in exotic places. His voice brings to life a world of natural wonders, transporting readers to Chile, Argentina, the Andes Mountains, and the Galapagos Islands, the unique ecosystem that inspired his groundbreaking work--work that is as relevant today as it was when Darwin first revealed his revolutionary theory. Charles Darwin, a British naturalist, geologist, biologist, and author, revolutionized the science of biology by developing the theory of evolution by natural selection. Among his important works are The Origin of Speciesand The Descent of Man. David Case, an AudioFileGolden Voice, was an enthusiastic narrator. "David's cultured British voice, his flair for accents and dialects, and his comedic timing made him one of the industry's most sought-after narrators." --AudioFilemagazine Excerpted from Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.