Join us for a reading and discussion to celebrate The Descent of Man: An Annotated Edition of Darwin’s Classic Work, annotated by James Costa, professor of biology and executive director of the Highlands Biological Station at Western Carolina University, and Elizabeth Yale, associate professor of history at the University of Iowa.

Costa and Yale will read from and discuss their new book, the first annotated edition of Darwin’s work that shocked the Victorian world and continues to generate controversy today. An audience Q&A will follow. This event is free and open to the public.

“Costa and Yale have brought Darwin’s The Descent of Man back to life with thoughtful historical annotations, insightful commentary, and modern scientific references. This newly accessible volume will be indispensable to scholars and students alike and bring new audiences to this ever-relevant text.”
—Richard O. Prum, Yale University, author of The Evolution of Beauty: How Darwin’s Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World—and Us

This Book Matters event is co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Prairie Lights. Light refreshments will follow the reading.