Naturalist

$15.00 CAD

pp. 380, b/w photographs, sketch illustrations and maps, “”Most children have a bug period,” writes the author. “I never grew out of mine.” Winner of two Pulitzer prizes, pioneer in sociobiology, distinguished entomologist and teacher, Wilson has written an absorbing memoir that charts his development as a scientist. From the age of seven, he wanted to be a naturalist; an accident that left him blind in one eye determined his field, and he settled on ants. Wilson recounts with affection his student days at the University of Alabama. In 1951 he enrolled at Harvard to complete his Ph.D.; there he began to study the evolution of social ecology among animals. Memorable field trips-to Cuba, Central America, the South Pacific-led him into new disciplines (biogeography and biodiversity). Noting that he has been “blessed with brilliant enemies,” he gives a lively account of academic infighting between molecular (James Watson of DNA fame) and evolutionary biologists during the 1960s. Wilson discusses his collaboration with Bert Holldobler and the controversy that arose from the publication of Sociobiology: The New Synthesis in 1975. Wilson’s memoir gives a rare glimpse into the evolution of scientific theory. “

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Book Information

ISBN 1559632887
ISBN13 9781559632881
Number of pages 380
Original Title Naturalist
Published Date 1994
Book Condition Very Good
Jacket Condition no dustjacket
Binding paperback
Size 8vo
Place of Publication Washington
Edition Second
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Author:
Publisher:

Description

pp. 380, b/w photographs, sketch illustrations and maps, “”Most children have a bug period,” writes the author. “I never grew out of mine.” Winner of two Pulitzer prizes, pioneer in sociobiology, distinguished entomologist and teacher, Wilson has written an absorbing memoir that charts his development as a scientist. From the age of seven, he wanted to be a naturalist; an accident that left him blind in one eye determined his field, and he settled on ants. Wilson recounts with affection his student days at the University of Alabama. In 1951 he enrolled at Harvard to complete his Ph.D.; there he began to study the evolution of social ecology among animals. Memorable field trips-to Cuba, Central America, the South Pacific-led him into new disciplines (biogeography and biodiversity). Noting that he has been “blessed with brilliant enemies,” he gives a lively account of academic infighting between molecular (James Watson of DNA fame) and evolutionary biologists during the 1960s. Wilson discusses his collaboration with Bert Holldobler and the controversy that arose from the publication of Sociobiology: The New Synthesis in 1975. Wilson’s memoir gives a rare glimpse into the evolution of scientific theory. “

Additional information

Weight 1 kg