Writing Gaia: The Scientific Correspondence of James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis

James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis developed the Gaia hypothesis in 1972, suggesting that life on Earth produces and regulates its own environment. Their correspondence describes the development of this idea, transforming Earth and life sciences and contemporary conceptions of nature. This book is of interest to researchers in ecology, history of science, environmental history, and cultural science studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 510 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In 1972, the renowned scientists James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration that would shape the field of ecology and environmental science. Their joint proposal, known as the Gaia hypothesis, proposed a profound idea: that Earth, over geological time, has evolved into a self-regulating system, where life plays a central role in producing and regulating its own environment. This concept has since become a cornerstone of ecological and environmental thought, sparking intense scientific and cultural debates on pressing environmental issues.

Lovelock and Margulis' ideas have had a profound impact on the Earth and life sciences, as well as contemporary conceptions of nature. Their extensive correspondence, spanning nearly three decades, provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of their collaboration, showcasing how their partnership proved decisive in the development of the Gaia hypothesis.

Clarke and Dutreuil, in their introduction to the Lovelock-Margulis correspondence, provide a historical backdrop, outlining the concepts and references introduced throughout the letters. They also highlight the major landmarks of their collaboration, which unfolded within the sequence of almost 300 letters written between 1970 and 2007.

This book is a valuable resource for researchers in ecology, history of science, environmental history, and cultural science studies. It offers a deep understanding of the origins and evolution of the Gaia hypothesis, shedding light on the profound insights and intellectual exchanges that shaped the field of ecology and environmental science.

In conclusion, the Lovelock-Margulis correspondence is a testament to the power of collaboration and intellectual inquiry. Through their joint work, Lovelock and Margulis not only proposed a groundbreaking hypothesis but also transformed the way we think about Earth and its relationship with life. Their ideas continue to inspire and shape our understanding of the natural world, and their correspondence serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 914g
Dimension: 162 x 236 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108833097