The 28th volume in a 29-volume set which contain all Charles Darwin's published works. Darwin was one of the most influential figures of the 19th century. His work remains a central subject of study in the history of ideas, the history of science, zoology, botany, geology and evolution.

Difficult to obtain in its original print this classic work on ecology is a fascinating read for anybody with a passion for systems in the natural world. Originally published in 1896. Contents include; Habits of Worms, The amount of fine earth bought up by worms to the surface, The part which worms have played in the burial of Ancient Buildings, The action of worms in the Denudation of the Land, The Denudation of the Land and Conclusion... Introduction: The share which worms have taken in the formation of the layer of vegetable mould, which covers the whole surface of the land in every moderately humid country, is the subject of the present volume..... Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. It comes complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

Gathers selections from nine of Darwin's most important books, including writings about coral reefs, the Galapagos Islands, evolution, emotions, and flowers.

Darwin had been intrigued by the earthworm for forty years, but it wasn't until 1881 that he produced the volume that would illuminate this "unsung creature which, in its untold millions, transformed the land as the coral polyps did the tropical sea." The volume, which focused on the fascinating behavior and ecology of the earthworm, sold thousands of copies in its first weeks.