The world of Charles Darwin imagined in poetry and art

In celebration of Charles Darwin's bicentennial and the 150th anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species, Indiana University Press is publishing a new paperback edition of Darwin's Ark, a collection of Philip Appleman's poems on Darwinian themes, stunningly illustrated by internationally known printmaker Rudy Pozzatti.

Philosophical, witty, poignant, deeply intellectual, and lyrical, Appleman's poetry is always clear and powerful. All of the poems reflect Appleman's perception of the "overwhelming sanity" of Darwin's thought—together with a visceral sensation of wholeness—of the connectedness of humans and nature, of the present with the past, of joy and sorrow, life and death. Pozzatti's varied illustrations represent his responses to the poems, providing a mini Darwin bestiary and much more.

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Philip Appleman has captured the elusive themes of Darwin's worldview and translated them into items of beauty that also provoke thought.

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The poems in Darwin's Ark were inspired by and grow naturally out of Darwin's work. Whether funny or serious, Appleman's poems are accessible and moving. 2009, no. 1

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Appleman illuminates his theme with empathy, understanding, wit, and humor that is often subtle or satirical and always enjoyable. Pozzati's illustrations, while often whimsical, are also realistic and memorable. Sept./Oct. 2010