The Heretic in Darwin's Court The Life of Alfred Russel Wallace

"Slotten does a very good job of contextualizing this critical moment in the history of biology within the life and times of Wallace [...] Slotten's enjoyable exposition provides insight into the scientific process and the role of class structure in Victorian England."
– Publishers Weekly

"Slotten's meticulously researched biography explores Wallace's scientifically 'heretical' interests in a bunch of late Victorian 'isms,' that range from socialism to spiritualism and extraterrestrial life."
– Douglas Palmer, New Scientist

"Slotten's text recounts [Wallace's] life in great detail, giving as much emphasis to his early life and later years as to his time as a collector and naturalist. If a library can support only one book, Slotten's provides the richness of the complete life."
– Library Journal

"Slotten's new life study illuminates an unpredictable genius who cut a wide swath in Victorian culture [...] But Slotten surpasses earlier biographers in detailing the complex personal relationship between the two biologists."
– Booklist, starred review

"[...] quite accessible to general audiences [...]"
– Michele Fabricant, Science Books & Films

"That sympathy, Slotten's predilection for quirky details, and his talent for imaginative investigation often make Wallace and his world spring to life."
– Menno Schilthuizen, Natural History

"This is a good, old-fashioned, beautifully written biography, devoid of pretension and with both a wonderful eye for detail and an impressive command of history and fact."
– Oren Solomon Harman, American Scientist

"fine picks for modern college-level collections."
– Bookwatch

"Slotten's book is the most detailed study of its kind published to date and provides a vivid account of Wallace's rich 90-year life."
– George Beccaloni, Nature

"This biography revives the remarkable work of this world explorer and naturalist."
– Stanford

"Slotten's book is a pleasure to read and provides a well-researched and detailed account [...] It is highly recommended reading."
– D. Futuyma, Evolution

"A highly readable and entertaining account of the life, travels, and thought of one of the nineteenth century's most eccentric and insightful scientists."
– Northeastern Naturalist

"Excellent job of profiling the man's life."
– Charles H. Smith, European Molecular Biology and Organization

"Well-crafted biography [...] highly recommended."
– Choice

"Six full biographies of Wallace have been published since 2000 [...] and this latest is the most complete."
– Charles H. Smith, Journal of the History of Biology

"The 20 chapters in Slotten's book brilliantly explore the different facets of Wallace."
– Allen Keast, Quarterly Review of Biology

"Keen eye and easy style"
– David A. Feller, Bulletin of the Pacific Circle

"Slotten's biography [...] offers a balanced and thorough account of Wallace's long and varied career."
– Jane R. Camerini, Reports of the National Center for Science Education