達爾文（1809-1882），英國博物學傢，進化論的奠基人。1825年至1828年達爾文在愛丁堡大學學醫，後進入劍橋大學學習神學。1831年從劍橋大學畢業後，以博物學傢的身份乘海軍勘探船“小獵犬號”作曆時5年（1831-1836）的環球旅行，觀察和搜集瞭動物、植物的地質等方麵的大量材料，經過歸納整理和分析，形成瞭生物進化的概念。1859年齣版《物種起源》一書，全麵提齣以自然選擇為基礎的進化學說。該書齣版震動當時的學術界，使當時生物學各領域已經形成的概念和觀念發生根本性的改變。

Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and natural selection has been debated and disparaged over time, but there is no dispute that he is responsible for some of the most remarkable and groundbreaking scientific findings in history. His five-year trip as a naturalist on the H.M.S. "Beagle"took him on a journey to such exotic locales as Chile, Argentina, and the Galapagos Islands. Darwin wrote the details of this expedition, including his thoughts about the people on the ship and of course, his observations of the flora and fauna, in his journal, published as "Voyage of the Beagle." It is here that his original interpretations of the Galapagos ecosystem and the impact of nature and selection are first revealed.

This edition of the classic travel memoir is enhanced with an introduction by bestselling nature writer David Quammen, and is part of National Geographic's major cross-platform event in spring 2009 to celebrate the anniversary.