Book description
A scientific study that keeps in mind the needs of butterfly collectors
and of all those who love the country in the hope that it may increase
their pleasure by widening the scope of their interests. This edition is
exclusive to newnaturalists. com
Dr Ford, the author of this fascinating volume on butterflies, was an
enthusiastic butterfly collector in his youth. He was not only a
professional biologist of great distinction but also brought his wide
knowledge of genetics and evolution to bear on the problems arising out
of his collecting. Thus he was able to see butterflies both as an
absorbing hobby and as part of the great panorama of biology.
The resultant book is an outstanding contribution to Natural History in
the best sense of the term. Natural History is not something inferior to
science - it is part of science, inviting an approach by way of field
study. While, therefore, Dr Ford's book contains a somewhat higher
proportion of scientific history and technical ideas than most books on
Natural History, this for the great majority of amateurs will be a
stimulus rather than an obstacle, and throughout the author has kept in
mind the needs of butterfly collectors and of all those who love the
country in the hope that it may increase their pleasure by widening the
scope of their interests. 'A masterly exposition of the subject as
seen in the light of recent scientific work and theory. The manner in
which, throughout, those problems are stressed which field study alone
can solve, will be continual inspiration to the amateur naturalist to
engage in investigational work.'
Yorkshire Post
'This is the best book on British butterflies for many years, and the
colour bprinting is very nearly perfect.'
Edinburgh Evening News Genetecist and entomologist, author of
Butterflies (1945) and Moths (1955).
Born in Cumberland but career based at Oxford, by turns lecturer, reader
1938-63, director of genetics laboratory and Professor of Genetics
(1963-69). Fellow of All Souls, FRS (1946). Founder of environmental
genetics through studies in natural variation of butterflies and moths.
His magnum opus, Ecological Genetics (1964), was the fruit of 30 years'
reasearch.
