History VIPs: Charles Darwin

Find out why Darwin's On the Origin of Species changed both science and society and explore his life story, from his early investigations of the natural world and his voyage on the HMS Beagle, to the publication of his great work.

Darwin astounded the world with his theory of evolution but some people were angry that his ideas challenged traditional ideas and those set out by the church. Through his story readers learn about the society and culture of Victorian Britain. Looking at Darwin's discoveries and the events of his life, we learn about the changing ideas in British society between 1745-1901, and the impact that his ideas had on the church and state. Readers will learn to draw conclusions from the evidence provided - a great basis for class discussions.

The History VIP series of biographies look at the lives of famous Britons, telling their life stories and how they have shaped the course of history. Focusing on key subjects in the history curriculum for Key Stages 2 and 3 they explore the impact of exceptional figures in history and the society and culture in Britain at the time that they lived.

Other titles in the series include: Boudicca; Emmeline Pankhurst; King John; Mary Anning