Natural Selection and Beyond: The Intellectual Legacy of Alfred Russel Wallace

Description:

Collection of essays which consider in depth aspects of the life and work of the co-discoverer of natural selection. 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, and as an important contributor to subjects as far-ranging as glaciology, land reform, anthropology and ethnography, and epidemiology. Beyond this, many are coming to regard Wallace as the pre-eminent field biologist, collector, and naturalist of tropical regions. Add to that the fact that he was a vocal supporter of spiritualism, socialism, and the rights of the ordinary person, and 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, and still less recognized is his relevance to current day research almost 100 years after his death.

Condition

Vg in d/w. From the library of Keith Hyatt (d. 2021), acarologist at the Natural History Museum, London, with his name to endpaper and his review of the present work for the The London Naturalist pasted to verso of front free endpaper. A couple of typos in the text neatly corrected in pencil. Signed presentation inscription to title page from first editor, George Beccaloni, to Keith Hyatt, dated Feb. 2009. Also with later inscription from second editor, Charles H. Smith, dated 2013, pasted to title. Loosely inserted is a signed typescript letter from Charles Smith to the London Natural History Society, dated April 1987, requesting information on any contributions to the journals of that society by Wallace for the period 1862-1892, in connection with his research into the writings of Wallace. A copy of Keith Hyatt's reply, as then vice-president of the LNHS and editor of The London Natuarlist is also enclosed. Hyatt could find no involvement of Wallace in the society's activities.