"In this courtship and marriage biography, the author examines an unlikely but powerful bond between cousins, the Origins of the Species scientist and the religious devotee love of his life. Beginning with Darwin's 'to marry or not to marry' pro/con lists through Emma editing Charles' autobiography so that it would be less 'offensive,' the couple provided for each other sounding board, respected opposition, and beloved soulmate . . . The volume provides a unique blend of romance, scientific observations, explanations of medical practices prevalent in the early-nineteenth century, and opportunities to examine scientific discoveries and religious beliefs in detail."—Patti Sylvester Spencer, VOYA

"It would be unwise to dismiss McKibben's ideas as pipe dreams or Luddism. He makes his case on anecdotal, environmental, moral and, as it were, aesthetic grounds. An attentive, widely traveled writer and environmentalist, McKibben cites the success of local projects around the world, from a rabbit-raising academy in China to a Guatemalan cooperative that manufactures farm machinery from old bicycles."—Lance Morrow, The New York Times Book Review