Publications and drafts, 1923-1981
Sub-Series
This section includes material on major publications including:
- Recent Advances in Cytology (Churchill, 1932). This book made Darlington's name internationally when first published, and remained a standard text for many years. A second edition appeared in 1937 and Darlington was pressed by his publisher from 1943 to prepare a third and revised edition. His own view was that the original publication was in certain respects irreplaceable and he contemplated re-issuing it at his own expense; eventually it was reprinted by Churchill with a second part covering 1937-1964, and appeared in 1965 as Cytology.
- The Evolution of Genetic Systems (Cambridge University Press, 1938). A German edition appeared in the same year and a Spanish edition in 1948. The second edition was published in 1958 by Oliver & Boyd.
- The Facts of Life (Allen & Unwin, 1953). This book was the first of several on human genetics and society. There was an American edition, and translations in Italian, Japanese, Danish, French and German. The second edition, in 1964, was titled Genetics and Man.
- The Evolution of Man and Society (Allen & Unwin, 1969). This massive book of over 700 pages, with 22 maps and diagrams, 44 charts and tables and 18 pedigrees, was the first of Darlington's major publications attempting a synoptic analysis of the genetics of man and society. An 'introduction' to his ideas had, he considered, been furnished by Genetics and Man, and he envisaged two additional volumes of which only one, The Little Universe of Man, was completed and published in 1978 (see MSS. Darlington c. 66-77/E.535-646). The Evolution of Man and Society had been in active preparation since 1962, originally under the title 'The evolution of society', though the origins of its ideas went back to Darlington's Persion expedition of 1929 and his discussions with colleagues in the 1930s. It was published in 1969, with an American edition in 1970 and translations into most European languages and into Japanese. The correspondence with the publishers shows the care expended on what was clearly recognised as a major and highly-valued undertaking.
- The Little Universe of Man (Allen & Unwin, 1978). This was another major publication (307pp) with figures, tables and time-charts. Though on a smaller scale it was intended as a companion piece to The Evolution of Man and Society or, alternatively, as the last part of 'a trilogy on Man' which began with Genetics and Man. Darlington was in active touch with his publisher from 1974 to agree the contract and schedule for the book. The book covers a little of the same historical ground as The Evolution of Man and Society and occasionally uses similar material, e.g. on pedigrees, but concentrates on 'the evolutionary processes set in motion over the last 300 years' and 'the great stream of scientific knowledge sweeping us forward into a dangerous future'. Some of the topics discussed, such as race, education, equality, population, crime, lost nothing of their inherently controversial nature under Darlington's pen, and indeed he modified several portions of the draft after suggestions from readers and advisers. The book, though widely reviewed, made less of an impact than The Evolution of Man and Society.
Dates
- Creation: 1923-1981
Language of Materials
- English
- French
- German
- Russian
Full range of shelfmarks:
MSS. Darlington b. 2, c. 35-78, d. 19-24
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by publication.
Repository Details
Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository
Contact:
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk