
PREFACE
CHAPTER I. THE DISCOVERY OF THE UNIVERSE
CHAPTER II. THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE UNIVERSE
CHAPTER III. THE BIRTH AND DEATH OF WORLDS
CHAPTER IV. THE PREPARATION OF THE EARTH
CHAPTER V. THE BEGINNING OF LIFE
CHAPTER VI. THE INFANCY OF THE EARTH
CHAPTER VII. THE PASSAGE TO THE LAND
CHAPTER VIII. THE COAL-FOREST
CHAPTER IX. THE ANIMALS OF THE COAL-FOREST
A sweeping yet accessible narrative, this volume guides listeners through the grand tapestry of Earth’s and the heavens’ history. Drawing on the latest discoveries from astronomy, geology, biology and anthropology, it weaves together a continuous chronicle that shows not only how scenes succeeded one another, but why the planet’s landscape and its living inhabitants rose step by step. The author’s clear, jargon‑free prose invites anyone—whether a seasoned science enthusiast or a curious newcomer—to grasp the big picture without getting lost in technical detail.
The journey begins with the pivotal breakthroughs that shattered medieval worldviews: the realization that Earth is not the universe’s center and that a vast cosmos stretches far beyond. From the daring voyages that first hinted at a round world to the early clues hidden in rocks and fossils, the early chapters set the stage for the unfolding story of planetary change. Listeners will come away with a fresh appreciation for how each layer of evidence, from ancient stones to modern telescopes, contributes to our evolving portrait of life’s long, intricate saga.
Language
en
Duration
~10 hours (624K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Dianne Bean, and David Widger
Release date
1997-09-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1867–1955
A former Franciscan monk turned prolific writer and public speaker, this English rationalist spent decades explaining science, history, and religion to general readers. His books and translations helped bring big debates about faith and freethought to a wide audience.
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