Books

8vo. 8th edition, based on the revised 3rd edition of 1872. xvi, 653, [2] pp. In the publisher's green, patterned-sand grain cloth, ink- and gilt-stamped to spine and front board. With 51 wood engravings (8 full-page) and 10 maps (2 folding and coloured) as called for. Many gatherings unopened. Wallace's most successful book, chronicling his scientific exploration (1854-1862) of the southern portion of the Malay Archipelago including Malaysia, Singapore, the islands of Indonesia and the island of New Guinea. In all he travelled over 14,000 miles and collected 125,660 specimens. The book is dedicated to Charles Darwin, but Wallace explains in the preface that he has chosen to avoid discussing the evolutionary implications of his discoveries. In tight and bright condition, spine ends and corners minimally bumped. Front pastedown with the bookplate of Charles John Irving. C.M.G. the noted expert on native affairs on the Malay Peninsular.

The Malay Archipelago is an account of Wallace's expedition to the Malay Archipelago, providing a vivid description of the region's exotic wildlife and his thoughts on its biodiversity. It highlights his significant contributions to the formulation of the theory of evolution.