Natural Selection And Beyond

Product Description

Alfred Russel Wallace (1823
- 1913) was one of the late nineteenth century's most potent intellectual forces. His link to Darwin as co-discoverer of the principle of natural selection alone would have secured him a place in history but he went on to complete work entitling him to recognition as the 'father' of modern biogeographical studies as a pioneer in the field of astrobiology & as an important contributor to subjects as far-ranging as glaciology land reform anthropology & ethnography & epidemiology. Beyond this many are coming to regard Wallace as the pre-eminent field biologist collector & naturalist of tropical regions. Add to that the fact that he was a vocal supporter of spiritualism socialism & the rights of the ordinary person & it quickly becomes apparent that Wallace was a man of extraordinary breadth of attention. Yet his work in many of these areas is still not well known & still less recognized is his relevance to current day research almost 100 years after his death. This rich collection of writings by more than twenty historians & scientists reviews & reflects on the work that made Wallace a famous man in his own time & a figure of extraordinary influence & continuing interest today.