SYSTEMATICS AND THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES: From the Viewpoint of a Zoologist

Inscribed third printing of Mayr's influential and canonical work on evolutionary theory and speciation, first published in 1942. SYSTEMATICS was Mayr's first book, completed during his tenure as curator at the American Museum of Natural History and enthusiastic member of the Linnaean Society, where he encouraged other birdwatching members of the naturalist society to "have a problem, everyone should have a problem." Mayr's support of serious amateurs was one of his many lasting contributions to ornithology: "It is largely due to Mayr's influence that competent amateurs today play such an important part in modern bird study" (Haupt). Mayr enjoyed a long and celebrated career, later joining the faculty of Harvard and receiving the National Medal of Science, the International Prize for Biology, the Darwin Medal, and numerous other awards and honors. Among the many creatures named in his honor are several species of birds and Ernst Mayr's Water Rat (Leoptomys ernstmayri), a charming rodent of the Muridae family most often found in the mountains of New Guinea. A classic work, scarce inscribed. 9'' x 6''. Original blind-stamped royal blue cloth with gilt-lettered spine. Number XIII of the Columbia Biological Series. Black and white illustrations. 334 pages. Inscribed by Mayr on title page: "This book became one of the foundation stones of the Evolutionary Synthesis! [.] With best wishes / Ernst Mayr 24 Nov. 96." Light bumping and edgewear to boards.…