Description
Book SynopsisIt is the year 1852, and the origin of species remains a mystery. In a primitive hut in the remote Amazonian jungle, Alfred Wallace, a brilliant young collector of scientific specimens, lies wasted by tropical illness. He does not expect to survive. Healed by a village shaman, Wallace continues his pioneering fieldwork in the Malay archipelago, crystallising his ideas about evolutionary theory, which Charles Darwin had also secretly formulated but was reluctant to publish. In this new novel based on the scientist's extraordinary life, what unfolds is a dramatic tale of money, class, faith and discrimination.
Trade Review“Wallace never attained Darwin’s level of fame, perhaps because Wallace’s radical ideas (including his belief in spiritualism) ran contrary to those of the scientific establishment. The Evolutionist brings to life a saga of passion for research, and the sharp divides of money, class, and discrimination. A strongly impressionistic portrait of an undeservedly little-known scientist, The Evolutionist is a raptly compelling read.” - Midwest Book Review; “Brimful of factual details … This novel will appeal to any reader interested in… the lives of the intrepid Victorian specimen hunters.” - Historical Novel Society; “A wide audience beyond the scientifically curious will find this an easy read and come away with a richer understanding of the rigours of early scientific research both in the field and in the halls of established theory.” - Professor Gene J. Parola, author The Devil to Pay; “An exciting adventure story well told.” - Peter Hobson, Shiny New Books; “Avi Sirlin has produced an enjoyable and thought-provoking work which should thankfully introduce a remarkable (yet remarkably unknown) scientific giant to a wider audience.” - Rodney Munday, sculptor of the Alfred Russel Wallace wall relief in Hertford; “A vivid and gripping read.” - Natalie Heng, The Star online (Malaysia).
Table of ContentsBiography of author Novel text Author's note
