This set traces Herbert Spencer's influence, from his contemporaries to the present day. Contributions come from across the social science disciplines and are often taken from sources which are difficult to access.

He was one of the principal proponents of evolutionary theory in the mid nineteenth century and his reputation rivaled that of Charles Darwin. This story of his life is based on selected correspondence and previously unpublished papers.

Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) was an English philosopher, best known for his scientific writings.