Alfred Russel Wallace (Critical Lives)

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Father of Biogeography’, Alfred Russel Wallace is known as the co-founder of the theory of evolution, and was well-versed in zoology, botany, anthropology, politics, astronomy and psychology. Although notorious for his unpopular and eccentric beliefs, he is still recognized as one of the leading figures in nineteenth-century British science. Patrick Armstrong describes Wallace’s long life, from 1823 to the eve of World War I, and shows him to be, in many ways, a more interesting character than his fellow scientist Charles Darwin. This compact yet comprehensive biography takes a psychological approach to give insight into a man who was plagued with misfortune: legal issues, obtaining full-time employment, and relationship troubles all vexed him. The book unlocks the life of a restless traveller who, although he grew up with an ‘ordinary’ education, became one of the most influential scientists of his time.