The Malay Archipelago

The Malay Archipelago by Alfred Russel Wallace is a work of astounding breadth and originality that chronicles the British naturalist's scientific exploration of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and New Guinea between 1854 and 1862.

An intrepid explorer who earned his living by collecting bird skins, Wallace also catalogued the vast number of plant and animal species that inhabit this unique geographical area. In addition, he provides numerous observations on the people, their languages, ways of living, and social organisation, as well as geological insights into the nature and activity of volcanoes and the destructive force of nature.

Colourful personal anecdotes, based on experiences during his travels, also pepper the text. First published in 1869, The Malay Archipelago provided some of the initial evidence for the modern theory of evolution. Discursive, captivating, occasionally offensive, but always wonderfully descriptive, it remains one of the most extensive works of natural history ever compiled.

The Earl of Cranbrook is an expert in the environmental biology of the Malaysian region and has a special interest in the life and career of Alfred Russel Wallace. Stanfords Travel Classics feature some of the finest historical travel writing in the English language, with authors hailing from both sides of the Atlantic. Every title has been reset in a contemporary typeface to create a series that every lover of fine travel literature will want to collect and keep.