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Emma Darwin
Emma Darwin: The Inspirational Wife of a Genius | Edna Healey
1 post | 1 read
Much has been written about Charles Darwin but this is the first biography of his strong, intelligent wife. Emma Wedgwood, granddaughter of the famous Josiah, married Charles Darwin in 1839, three years after he returned from his extraordinary voyage on the Beagle. Their life together was intellectually exciting though overshadowed by personal tragedy. Edna Healey has discovered new, and hitherto unpublished, material and has had the full support of the Darwin family in writing this major biography.
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OutsmartYourShelf
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Mehso-so

A biography of Emma Darwin (née Wedgwood), the wife of naturalist & evolutionist Charles Darwin. Both Charles & Emma (they were first cousins) came from impressive backgrounds with Emma being the granddaughter of Josiah Wedgwood of the Stoke potteries fame, whilst Charles was the grandson of Erasmus Darwin, one of the key figures of the 18th century. (Continued)

OutsmartYourShelf Both families had their fair share of academics but they were also passionately involved in campaigns such as the abolition of slavery, & animal welfare.

Before reading this book my knowledge of Charles Darwin was rudimentary at best, & I hadn't realised that he suffered so much ill health. I also hadn't heard much about his wife & children at all.
5mo
OutsmartYourShelf The book first goes back to those well-known grandfathers & traces the lives of their descendants. I thought it was mainly interesting but there were occasions where it became a little difficult to keep who everyone was & who was married to whom straight in one's head - even with the family trees at the start. It also became a little dry in places. Overall I did enjoy it though. 3⭐

5mo
DieAReader 🥳Great! 5mo
26 likes4 comments