The Huxleys: An Intimate History of Evolution

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This biography explores the lives of T.H. Huxley, known as "Darwin's Bulldog," and his grandson Julian Huxley, a prominent scientist and conservationist. Both men grappled with depression and contemplated its implications on genetic inheritance. They played pivotal roles in communicating the theory of evolution by natural selection. The author, historian Alison Bashford, intertwines their narratives, portraying them as a single intellectual entity whose lives spanned significant historical shifts—from the age of sail to the Space Age and through various wars. The Huxleys tackled profound questions, making them ideal figures for exploring the evolution of thought: What is the nature of time and the Earth's age? How do human and natural histories connect? In what ways are humans both animals and distinct from them? What are the implications of our deep past and distant future? Should we strive to enhance future generations? What will our planet look like in 10,000 years? This compelling biography delves into the challenges and marvels of the modern world that the Huxleys engaged with throughout their lives, reflecting on the evolution of ideas and humanity itself.