Happy bicentenary Alfred Russel Wallace!

Today marks the bicentennary of Alfred Russel Wallace (8 January 1823–7 November 1913). He was a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, biologist and illustrator and is best known for independently conceiving the theory of evolution through natural selection. His 1858 paper on the subject was published that year alongside extracts from Charles Darwin's earlier writings on the topic. He was considered a leading expert on the geographical distribution of animal species, and is often called the "father of biogeography" (or more specifically of zoogeography). Aside from his scientific work, he was a social activist, critical of what he considered to be an unjust social and economic system in 19th-century Britain. His advocacy of spiritualism and his belief in a non-material origin for the higher mental faculties of humans strained his relationship with other scientists. He was one of the first prominent scientists to raise concerns over the environmental impact of human activity. He wrote prolifically on both scientific and social issues (edited from Wikipedia). Our three volumes on Wallace cover a broad spectrum of his activities, ideas and his writings. We are proud to have published such fine works and to offer them at a reduced rate in recognition of his 200 year birthday. Happy birthday Alfred Russel Wallace! Click the image to visit our Wallace collections page.