Angels And Ages: A Short Book About Darwin, Lincoln, And Modern Life (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
I think his assumption of a very widely read and knowledgeable reader is the problem of this book. He is, at times, unintentionally vague about the huge number of literary and scientific writings he refers to to support his thesis. One paragraph in particular held references to three different works - one by author, another by title, and a third by last name of author only, never quite delineating to whom which point would be attributable. I so wanted to love this book, as I loved his comments on the Radio Lab podcast in which this was mentioned, but that was the point at which I gave up. Too full of his knowledge without clear enough explanation of that knowledge. The nature of Gopnik's writing was at first confusing to me, slowing the read, then it became fun to read, and then by the end the novelty wore off and the preciousness of his elliptical style palled. Yet the subject matter is brilliant and the value of the book for me primarily lies in the author's summary of the best recent scholarship on both figures. The bibliography alone is worth the read.
What do You think about Angels And Ages: A Short Book About Darwin, Lincoln, And Modern Life (2009)?
Aside a few small articles of contention, Gopnik is a fine, fine essay-man.
—Nelle789
Just couldn't get into this. Way too dense (the writing, that is, not me).
—Nancy
I loved the interior workings of the book and deep meaning.
—xristina819
MAKES ME WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DARWIN.
—Trisket114
