James Lovelock has risked reputation, livelihood, everything by going it alone. What has this meant for the man behind the still-controversial Gaia? Was it all worth it? And will the forthcoming autobiography of this passionate individualist reveal all? Michael Bond got a sneak preview at his Devon hideaway.
WHEN biology professors at British universities teach their students about the Gaia hypothesis they tend to avoid mentioning its originator, James Lovelock. After three decades, his theory that life on Earth regulates its environment to keep itself healthy still carries connotations of New Age hippiedom and fantasy. It seems Lovelock’s name has…
