Description
Book SynopsisExplores the life and scientific contributions of Alfred Russel Wallace, Victorian traveler, scientist, spiritualist, and co-discoverer with Charles Darwin of natural selection. This biography also examines his travels in the western and eastern tropics. It casts light on his work and the importance of his relationship with Charles Darwin.
Trade ReviewSlotten does a very good job of contextualizing this critical moment in the history of biology within the life and times of Wallace... Slotten's enjoyable exposition provides insight into the scientific process and the role of class structure in Victorian England. Publishers Weekly Slotten's meticulously researched biography explores Wallace's scientifically 'heretical' interests in a bunch of late Victorian 'isms,' that range from socialism to spiritualism and extraterrestrial life. -- Douglas Palmer New Scientist Slotten's text recounts [Wallace's] life in great detail, giving as much emphasis to his early life and later years as to his time as a collector and naturalist. If a library can support only one book, Slotten's provides the richness of the complete life. Library Journal Slotten's new life study illuminates an unpredictable genius who cut a wide swath in Victorian culture... But Slotten surpasses earlier biographers in detailing the complex personal relationship between the two biologists. Booklist, starred review ...quite accessible to general audiences... -- Michele Fabricant Science Books & Films That sympathy, Slotten's predilection for quirky detials, and his talent for imaginative investigation often make Wallace and his world spring to life. -- Menno Schilthuizen Natural History This is a good, old-fashioned, beautifully written biography, devoid of pretension and with both a wonderful eye for detail and an impressive command of history and fact. -- Oren Solomon Harman American Scientist fine picks for modern college-level collections. Bookwatch Slotten's book is the most detailed study of its kind published to date and provides a vivid account of Wallace's rich 90-year life. -- George Beccaloni Nature This biography revives the remarkable work of this world explorer and naturalist. Stanford Slotten's book is a pleasure to read and provides a well-researched and detailed account...It is highly recommended reading. -- D. Futuyma Evolution A highly readable and entertaining account of the life, travels, and thought of one of the nineteenth century's most eccentric and insightful scientists. Northeastern Naturalist Excellent job of profiling the man's life. -- Charles H. Smith European Molecular Biology and Organization Well-crafted biography...highly recommended. Choice Six full biographies of Wallace have been published since 2000...and this latest is the most complete. -- Charles H. Smith Journal of the History of Biology The 20 chapters in Slotten's book brilliantly explore the different facets of Wallace. -- Allen Keast Quarterly Review of Biology Keen eye and easy style -- David A. Feller Bulletin of the Pacific Circle Slotten's biography... offers a balanced and thorough account of Wallace's long and varied career. -- Jane R. Camerini Reports of the National Center for Science Education
Table of ContentsIntroduction Origins of a Heretic The Struggle for Existence A Daring Plan Travels on the Amazon And the Rio Negro Disaster at Sea... and a Civilized Interlude The Malay Archipelago The Mechanism Revealed Beautiful Dreamer A Turn Toward the Unknowable The Olympian Heights and the Beginnings of the Fall Wallace and The Descent of Man The Descent of Wallace The War on Spiritualism Phoenix from the Ashes To the Land of Epidemic Delusions The New Nemesis Thoroughly Unpopular Causes Satisfaction, Retrospection, and Work A National Treasure Celebrated Biographical Index
