Darwin and Lady Hope 

On seeing the above book title I was intrigued enough to purchase a copy. As far back as the 1990's I had read a review of another book, this one co-authored by two American writers wherein they outlined their personal understanding of the deathbed scene of Charles Darwin. They were thoroughly convinced that his recantation and his rejection of the "theory of evolution" he had so vigorously promoted and espoused was factual.  

L.R. Croft, the author of the above book was even more convinced that Darwin's deathbed revelation as recorded by Elizabeth Lady Hope was absolutely true. Researching the historical facts and sifting the truth from the various fabrications took him, it seems about twenty or so years. 

It appears to be an almost obsessional crusade for him to exonerate a virtuous Victorian lady, as she certainly was much vilified by Darwin's family and advocates; even to be hounded from England to find refuge in the United States. Croft felt that she had been the victim of awful character assassination and wanted to redress the balance.

His carefully acquired research material is relevant to the facts and appears to be painstaking, accurate, and its results clearly and objectively reasoned. His evidence is compelling. He is a sincere believer in the Lord Jesus, and on this basis alone he is to be believed. I am greatly convinced by his arguments. 

Its fascination for me lies in the various connections with some prominent believers among "Brethren." Reference is made to Sir Robert Anderson, J.W.C. Fegan, and P.H. Gosse. But the greatest intrigue of all is the revelation that Darwin had a Gospel Hall at the bottom of his garden! It was on the edge of his estate and was previously a reading room for the villagers. Darwin gave it to the young energetic believer J.W.C. Fegan whom he admired. The room became known as the Gospel Room, and subsequently as the Downe Gospel Hall!

Now as to the book in a general way. It is mostly very readable, but for its overly repetitive character. I would add that I can see the necessity for some of the facts being repeated. Another simple observation is the length of the book. It is relatively short actually, but there are numerous large gaps between lines as well as paragraphs! The pagination of the book may well have been halved! If this had been the case perhaps it would have cost a good deal less to buy.