In A Nutshell

For a fine overview of Darwin let me recommend Darwin's Notebook: The Life, Times, and Discoveries of Charles Robert Darwin by Jonathan Clements. It goes through his life and work, chronologically. Each time you turn the page a new subject is introduced, starting with his childhood and ending with his enduring influence.

The format doesn't allow the book to go into anything too deeply, but putting it all in one small place gives you a feeling for the arc of his life, as do the many illustrations, and excerpts from his writings.