Victorian Sensation ─ The Extraordinary Publication, Reception, and Secret Authorship of Vestigesof the Natural History of Creation

Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation was published anonymously in 1844, sparking one of the Victorian era's greatest controversies. Its account of the world, which extended from the formation of the solar system to the spiritual destiny of humanity, drew on current scientific theories in fields ranging from astronomy to psychology. Secord, (University of Cambridge) uses the story of Vestiges to create a panoramic portrait of life in the early industrial era from the perspective of its readers. He reveals how Vestiges was written and how the anonymity of its author was maintained for 40 years. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)