Long and detailed (622 pages) fictional account of the voyages of Charles Darwin and Captain Fitzroy in the Beagle. Although fiction it is obviously based very closely on fact and all the events and some of the conversations are gleaned directly from records and journals.

There is not much new to learn about Darwin except that he was a thoroughly unpleasant fellow who had no qualms about accepting the credit for other people's work but the life of Fitzroy is a revelation. Though possibly religious to the point of fanaticism his leadership, intelligence and bravery were remarkable. Typically, whilst the over-rated Darwin prospered Fitzroy was repeatedly overlooked and dismissed from his various posts. A key part of the book are arguments and discussions between Darwin and Fitzroy on the ideas which would later become Darwin's theory of evolution - fascinating at first but possibly becoming a bit tedious later.

Very well written and compelling but at this length is only for those with a particular interest in historical biography and/or sea-faring perhaps. Regrettably the author died from cancer shortly afterwards at the age of 42.

RELEASE NOTES:

Left On the bookcrossing shelf - lots of books to choose from right now, a good excuse for a visit!

Caught this book in Chill's in Morecambe about 3 weeks ago. Still reading it, but expect to release it next week.

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

I don't know how historically accurate this book is, but I enjoyed the read.

Very historically accurate actually. Darwin was a lightweight scientist and a plagiarist (in my humble opinion). I don't believe in evolution either..... and don't even get me started on gravity!

Picked up at Chill cafe on Morecambe promenade on Sunday 25 April 2010. To be read in the next few weeks. Not sure what the person who originally rgistered this book means about Darwin having "no qualms about accepting the credit for other people's work", but there you go.

On the shelf at the Gregson

I enjoyed reading this book immensely - I had never heard of Captain Robert Fitzroy - although now realise that of course I had, on the weather forecasts.
Despite his religious fundamentalism he comes off as a "good man" - honest, trustworthy, inspired, with vision, diligent. While Darwin comes off as a more mixed character - his cowardice in not facing the public opposition to his views and his support of the Argentinian dictator, contrast with his love of mountains, his initial friendship with Fitzroy and keen questioning mind.
I would have liked the characters to have had more depth - I have become so used to Faulks' emotional awareness where the inner world of the character is brought to life - but by portraying the story of these two men so fully, their character is revealed.
He paints a picture of England in the 19th century with all its brutality and disease and child exploitation which really brings that time alive. Whatever people might say about the good old days, this book made me appreciate living today!
I live in Cumbria, on the banks of the river Clough near Sedbergh in what is also the Yorkshire Dales National Park. I travel to Lancaster every Wednesday to sing with the Gladly Solemn Sound choir at the Gregson community centre and while waiting for the choir to start I found your book on the shelf. It covers a period of time which our choir sing from - the West Gallery era from 1700-1850 - our choir leader Paul Guppy saw me with it and said: "I've read that!"
Thankyou for leaving it - I was surprised what good condition it was in considering how long it takes to read! You obviously have a lot of respect for books - and it was kind of you to leave it as part of this scheme - thankyou.
I shall now take it Garsdale Station on the Settle Carlilse line. I'll cycle up and leave it with the other books which travllors are encouraged to take from the waiting room.
Garsdale station is about 9 miles from Sedbergh but a long way away from anywhere else - quite appropriate for a book about a voyage to the end of the world and back.

Just found the book on Garsdale Station and brought it to Harrogate. Looking forward to reading it after which I'll pass it on.