"It has been an honor to know Ed Wilson. His life and work have inspired so many--scientist and layperson, alike. Richard Rhodes's Scientist is a wonderful introduction to one of the great thinkers and observers of our age." -- Paul Simon "Wilson's life and substantial accomplishments--many have called him the "natural heir" to Darwin--are ripe topics for exploration, and particularly important as we continue to confront the climate crisis' effects on biodiversity." --Lit Hub, "Most Anticipated Books of 2021" "Pulitzer-winner Rhodes ( The Making of the Atomic Bomb ) does justice to 'one of the.greatest biologists of the twentieth century' in this brilliant biography.Rhodes depicts Wilson as a tireless field scientist at a time when the general belief was that the future of biological discoveries was in the laboratory, and as a proponent who popularized sociobiology, and as a Pulitzer-winner for his books The Ants and On Human Nature . The author leaves no doubt as to Wilson's broad impact on science and the public's perceptions of nature, without ever veering into hagiography.

This is a must-read." -- Publishers Weekly , starred review "Esteemed biographer and historian Rhodes warmly portrays Wilson as an ambitious and accomplished biologist, a passionate and influential advocate for identifying all life forms and preserving half of Earth as natural habitat, and a prolific, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer.Rhodes also illuminates Wilson's insights into biodiversity, biophilia, altruism, and the nature of science.His many admirable attributes include a genuine inquisitiveness, sense of wonder, and deep concern for all life, from insects to people, and our planet. Rhodes' biography makes a fine companion to Wilson's Tales from the Ant World (2020)." -- Booklist , starred review.