The Evolutionary Synthesis

Perspectives on the Unification of Biology

With a New Preface

Ernst Mayr

    If you want to know how genetics and evolutionary biology were forged into a monolithic Darwinian whole, then read The Evolutionary Synthesis. These reissued transcripts date from a conference in 1974, when many of the architects of the synthesis were still around to present their own personal recollections.
       --New Scientist [UK]

    Praise for the first edition:
    [This] book will appeal to anyone, evolutionist or not, who is interested in the history and philosophy of science.
       --Matt Cartmill, New England Journal of Medicine

    Classic essays by key players in the 'modern synthesis' of evolutionary biology.
       --Nature

    This book provides not only a good history of the evolutionary synthesis, but many new scientific insights and ideas. I found myself rethinking a number of subtle and some not-so-subtle points of evolutionary theory while reading this historical work...The Evolutionary Synthesisis a major contribution to the history of biology, and for the specialist in evolutionary biology it is an important scientific work.
       --Walter J. Bock, Auk

    If you want to know how genetics and evolutionary biology were forged into a monolithic Darwinian whole, then read The Evolutionary Synthesis.
       --New Scientist [UK]

  • Cover: The Evolutionary Synthesis
  • A photo of the author

Ernst Mayr is Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology, Emeritus, at Harvard University. He is also the recipient of numerous honorary degrees and awards, including the Crafoord Prize for Biology, the National Medal of Science, the Balzan Prize, and the Japan Prize.