Publisher's Synopsis
With the exception of Darwin himself, Wallace was the most important developer of evolutionary theory in biology. He is also recognized as the father of modern biogeographical studies, and can safely be considered history's pre-eminent tropical naturalist. But Wallace's work extended far beyond even these subjects - to anthropology, physical geography and geology, the theory of land use, social reform, and cosmology. Further, he was the foremost defender of occult studies of his day.;In this anthology, the number and variety of fields in which Wallace made original and lasting contributions is systematically revealed. There are eight thematic sections, each containing substantial selections from Wallace's many publications in the periodical literature of his time. Each thematic section has its own editorial introduction and each selection is briefly placed in context. A comprehensive bibliography of all Wallace's published work, will be found at the end of the book. The thematic sections each end with a classified list of related items in the bibliography.
