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Primary sourceBook1871

The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex

Charles Darwin · 1871

Darwin's 1871 book applying evolutionary theory directly to humans and introducing his theory of sexual selection.

Darwin's own book extending his theory of evolution to explain human origins and sexual selection.

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Title page of Charles Darwin's book 'The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex', 1871. Text reads: by Charles Darwin, M.A., F.R.S., &c.; in two volumes, Vol. I; with illustrations; London: John Murray, Albemarle Street, 1871.
Charles Darwin, The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex, London: John Murray, 1871.

About this source

What it is

Published in 1871 by John Murray, this book by Charles Darwin applies his theory of evolution to human beings and sets out his theory of sexual selection. Darwin worked on it with help from his wife Emma and daughter Henrietta, who edited drafts, and the artist T. W. Wood illustrated many of its figures.

Why it matters

This was the first time Darwin directly argued, in detail, that humans descended from earlier forms like other animals, comparing human and animal anatomy, behaviour and mental traits. It provoked intense debate about religion, race and society, and includes passages on race and on 'civilised' versus 'savage' peoples that reflect the biases of Darwin's Victorian era.

Look closer

  • Why might Darwin have asked his family to help edit the book before publication?
  • What does Darwin mean by saying the difference between humans and animals is 'one of degree and not of kind'?
  • How do Darwin's comments on race and 'savages' reflect ideas common in his own time, and how might they be read critically today?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Charles Darwin on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Title page of the 1859 John Murray first edition of 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection' by Charles Darwin. Cream paper with black serif type, London: John Murray, Albemarle Street, 1859.Book

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Charles Darwin · 1859

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Primary source

Notebook B 'I think' Tree of Life Sketch

Charles Darwin · c. July 1837

Printed page 45 of the 1858 Linnean Society paper 'On the Tendency of Species to form Varieties' by Darwin and Wallace, with a covering letter from Lyell and Hooker dated London, June 30th, 1858. Text is in serif type.Document

Primary source

On the Tendency of Species to Form Varieties

Charles Darwin / Alfred Russel Wallace · 1858

Sepia-toned portrait of an elderly bearded man with a bald crown, seen in left profile against a dark background. He wears a dark jacket, white collar, and dark tie, and his gaze is directed to the left.Photograph

Primary source

Charles Darwin by Julia Margaret Cameron

Julia Margaret Cameron · c. 1868

Title page of 'The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin, including an Autobiographical Chapter', edited by his son Francis Darwin, In Three Volumes, Vol. I, London, John Murray, Albemarle Street, 1887. All rights reserved.Book

Primary source

The Autobiography of Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin · written 1876, first published 1887

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