The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time is a nonfiction biology book written by Jonathan Weiner. It was first published in 1994 and went on to win the 1995 Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction.
The book is about evolution and uses the central theme of the Galapagos or 'Darwin's Finches to explain why we have come to see the many different species in the present day. Weiner explores the work of Peter and Rosemary Grant, who built upon the foundations of Darwin’s theory of evolution, and claims that we can witness the process of evolution within our lifetime. Specifically, they focus on how the Galapagos are only differentiated by the shape of their beaks, whilst the remaining genetic component remains the same.
The book was highly praised, with The Los Angeles Times Book Review stating that it was "[An] engaging narrative of a modern scientific study that will forever change the way that we view evolution.” The Sunday Times (London) also stated that it was “Spectacular, page-turning . . . the ideal book to recommend to any doubter who asks, 'where's the evidence for evolution.”
