This open access book brings together for the first time all aspects of the tragic life and
fascinating work of the polymath Robert Leslie Ellis (1817-1859) placing him at the heart of
early-Victorian intellectual culture. Written by a diverse team of experts the chapters in the
book's first part contain in-depth examinations of among other things Ellis's family
education Bacon scholarship and mathematical contributions. The second part consists of
annotated transcriptions of a selection of Ellis's diaries and correspondence. Taken together
A Prodigy of Universal Genius: Robert Leslie Ellis 1817-1859 is a rich resource for historians
of science historians of mathematics and Victorian scholars alike. Robert Leslie Ellis was one
of the most intriguing and wide-ranging intellectual figures of early Victorian Britain his
contributions ranging from advanced mathematical analysis to profound commentaries on
philosophy and classics and a decisive role in the orientation of mid-nineteenth century
scholarship. This very welcome collection offers both new and authoritative commentaries on the
work setting it in the context of the mathematical philosophical and cultural milieux of the
period together with fascinating passages from the wealth of unpublished papers Ellis composed
during his brief and brilliant career.- Simon Schaffer Department of History and Philosophy of
Science University of Cambridge
