University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Recognition

Last year I had the privilege of visiting the Galapagos archipelago. The year 2009 was the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of On the Origin of Species—the timing could not have been more perfect. I was initially trained as a biologist and have spent a portion of my career studying the teaching of evolution. Nevertheless, I was struck by the bizarre and beautiful creatures I encountered and the extreme environments in which they have carved out a living. I selected Galapagos: The Islands that Changed the World because it was such a valuable resource to me before, during, and after the journey.

The book combines history, science, and incredible images to tell the story of the islands as the inspiration for Darwin's big idea and as a natural treasure for us to preserve.