The Descent of Darwin : The Popularization of Darwinism in Germany, 1860-1914

In Germany, more than anywhere else, Darwinism was a sensational success. Setting his analysis against the background of popular science, Kelly follows popular Darwinism as it permeated education, religion, politics, and social thought in Germany. He explains how the popularizers changed Darwin's thought in subtle ways and how these changes colored their perceptions of Darwinism. Among the first purveyors of mass culture, the Germans provide valuable clues as to how seminal ideas move through a society. Originally published in 1981. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value. The Descent of Darwin 4 Contents 7 Chapter 1 The Question of Popularization 9 Chapter 2 Darwinism and the Popular Science Tradition 12 Chapter 3 Erotic Monism—The Climax of Popular Darwinism 22 Chapter 4 Darwinism and the Schools 30 Chapter 5 The Holiness of Science 37 Chapter 6 Social Darwinism and the Popularizers 46 Chapter 7 Darwin, Marx, and the German Workers 55 Epilogue 62 Notes 64 CHAPTER 1 64 CHAPTER 2 64 CHAPTER 3 65 CHAPTER 4 66 CHAPTER 5 67 CHAPTER 6 69 CHAPTER 7 70 EPILOGUE 72 Bibliography 73 Index 81 In Germany, more than anywhere else, Darwinism was a sensational success. Setting his analysis against the background of popular science, Kelly follows popular Darwinism as it permeated education, religion, politics, and social thought in Germany. He explains how the popularizers changed Darwin's thought in subtle ways and how these changes coloured their perceptions of Darwinism.