Charles Darwin: On the Origin of Species (English Edition)

Why do species change? How do complex forms of life arise? And why are some organisms better adapted to their environment than others?
In On the Origin of Species, Charles Darwin offers a powerful answer: over many generations, natural selection preserves advantageous variations and shapes the diversity of life. First published in 1859, the book revolutionised biological thought and permanently transformed our understanding of the natural world.
Darwin's argument reshaped science, provoked intense religious and philosophical debate, and changed humanity's perception of its relationship to all other forms of life. Combining rigorous evidence with vivid description and an enduring fascination with nature, he created a scientific classic whose influence continues to be felt today.
Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. First published as: On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. John Murray, London, 1859. The text of this edition is based substantially on the sixth edition, published by John Murray, London, in 1872, the final edition extensively revised by Charles Darwin. New edition, Göttingen, 2026.