The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals

’The force of language is much aided by the expressive movements of the face and body’

While On the Origin of Species transformed scientific thinking about life on Earth, Darwin kept silent on the most controversial question of his generation- what was man’s place in nature? Provoked by critics, Darwin later broke this silence, focusing attention on features central to our humanity- mind and morality. The Expression of the Emotions is an audacious and thought-provoking book. Powerful ideas are hidden behind simple questions. Why are humans alone in blushing? Why do we understand the expressions of so many animals? Why do all humans instinctively understand the meaning of a smile? This was Darwin’s last major work. Here the origins of those qualities we humans hold most dear are revealed.

This edition is the rare 1890 second edition of Expression, including notes Darwin made anticipating a revision. Joe Cain’s introduction describes the key debates surrounding Darwin, his reasons for producing The Expression of the Emotions and his methods of gathering data. This edition also includes, for the first time, many original striking photographs and line drawings Darwin assembled as part of his research.

Edited by JOE CAIN and SHARON MESSENGER with an introduction by JOE CAIN