Darwin's struggle - the evolution of the origin of the species.

This programme looks in depth at Darwin's formation of his Origin of the Species. Readings from Darwin's journals illustrate major events and turning points in his thought; both personal and academic. For instance we visit Darwin's 'thinking path' a sand path at his home where he walked to aid his thinking and hear about how the death of his precious daughter Annie influenced his work. Throughout, his life and studies are put into context with themes of medicine, science and religion popular in his day and full account is given to the work of other thinkers who strongly influenced him. Dramatic illustrations from the natural world are used effectively to illustrate developments in Darwin's theory. The programme culminates in an account of the reception of Darwin's first publication of the Origin of the Species.