Scholars Celebrate Annotated Edition of Darwin's 'The Descent of Man'

James Costa and Elizabeth Yale discuss their new book at Iowa City Darwin Day 2026 Science Fest

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A bold, highly structured abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals in earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, conceptually visualizing the complex evolutionary forces and scientific ideas examined in Charles Darwin's landmark work.An abstract visual representation of the evolutionary concepts and historical significance explored in the new annotated edition of Darwin's "The Descent of Man."Iowa City Today

Professors James Costa and Elizabeth Yale will host a reading and discussion to celebrate their new annotated edition of Charles Darwin's classic work, "The Descent of Man." The event is part of the Iowa City Darwin Day 2026 Science Fest, a multi-day celebration of evolutionary science, public health, and evidence-based thinking.

Why it matters

Darwin's "The Descent of Man" was a groundbreaking and controversial work that shaped our modern understanding of human evolution. This new annotated edition by Costa and Yale provides important historical context and scientific updates to make the text more accessible to modern readers and scholars.

The details

Costa, a professor of biology at Western Carolina University, and Yale, an associate professor of history at the University of Iowa, have collaborated on the first annotated edition of Darwin's "The Descent of Man." The book features their insightful commentary and modern scientific references to bring Darwin's classic work to life for new audiences.

  • The event will take place on April 9, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa.
  • The Iowa City Darwin Day 2026 Science Fest runs from April 7-12, 2026.

The players

James Costa

Professor of biology and executive director of the Highlands Biological Station at Western Carolina University, and co-author of the annotated edition of "The Descent of Man."

Elizabeth Yale

Associate professor of history at the University of Iowa, and co-author of the annotated edition of "The Descent of Man."

Charles Darwin

The renowned British naturalist whose 1871 work "The Descent of Man" explored the origins and evolution of the human species.

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What they’re saying

“Costa and Yale have brought Darwin's The Descent of Man back to life with thoughtful historical annotations, insightful commentary, and modern scientific references. This newly accessible volume will be indispensable to scholars and students alike and bring new audiences to this ever-relevant text.”

— Richard O. Prum, Yale University, author of The Evolution of Beauty: How Darwin's Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World—and Us

What’s next

The full schedule of events for the Iowa City Darwin Day 2026 Science Fest will be available at iowacitydarwinday.org.

The takeaway

This annotated edition of Darwin's landmark work on human evolution provides important historical context and scientific updates to make the text more accessible and relevant for modern readers. The event is part of a broader celebration of evolutionary science and evidence-based thinking.