"Few topics have engaged biologists and philosophers more than the concept of species, and arguably no idea is more important for evolutionary science. John S. Wilkins' book combines meticulous historical and philosophical analysis and thus provides new insights on the development of this most enduring of subjects."—Joel Cracraft, American Museum of Natural History
"This is not the potted history that one usually finds in texts and review articles. It is a fresh look at the history of a field central to biology, but one whose centrality has changed in scope over the centuries. Wilkins' book will be a standard source for all kinds of people working in systematics. There is not another book on the subject, amazingly enough, and his perspective is so comprehensive and well-taught that it will replace any standard review articles and older histories."—Kevin Padian, University of California, Berkeley
From here... due 9 August!
- Log in to post comments
Wow! So cool!
I look forward to getting it and hopefully having a book that talks about the species concepts and I don't want to use it to start fires...
Wow! Cracking reviews! Hopefully, this is where all that hard work and sacrifice finally pays off. What next? A TV series along the lines of The Ascent Of Man?
Am really looking forward to this book. I don't know if this is normal behaviour, but back as an undergrad my mate and I used to spend hours at the pub debating species concepts.. Of course, beer always won.
Looking great!
Of course, the world being like it is, maybe there are people who only want the potted history and are adamantly opposed to new insights; now they'll all avoid reading you....
How much do you have to pay for a review like that?
Not much. Ten years of your life will do it.
Congratulations. Those are some spectacular reviews. My the Tenure Gods smile before you.
John, you have a collection of mean, sneaky, vindictive, iniquitous and despicable commentators on your blog and I am really pissed off with Ms Silberstein for having got there first! I wanted to say that ;(
Since it's original and about species did you title it "The Original Species"?
Anyway, congrats.
Congrats, John. This is a lot of hard work rewarded!
Oh dear, John. Please don't let this go to your head.
Woo Hoo! Welcome to the Systematic Elite!
Congrats! A positive selection indeed, with excellent reviews (now I know why I never read any fashionable critiques of the NCSE here).
Congratulations, John.
Congratulations John! Good to see the thingy getting some good public commentary.
Congratulations John! Have a deep fried Sardine and a really strong Portuguese espresso from me. Having seen you pour your heart and soul into that book, doggedly pursing it in the face of adversity, I can say that review is well earned. Congratulations again!