In this madcap novel, the Pirate Captain and his motley crew conspire to attack the Beagle, believing it to be a gold-laden ship belonging to the Bank of England. When they are confronted, instead, with Darwin and his collection of monkeys, they agree to help rescue Darwin's brother from the sinister Bishop of Oxford. Defoe's tale is more fantasy than fact, but it might entince you to learn more about Darwin's life. Both children (ages 12 and up) and adults will enjoy the book's Monty Pythonesque humor.  (GBR585, $15.95)