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 (18171859), placing him at the heart of early-Victorian intellectual culture.

Written by a diverse team of experts, the chapters in the books first part contain in-depth examinations of, among other things, Elliss family, education, Bacon scholarship and mathematical contributions. The second part consists of annotated transcriptions of a selection of Elliss diaries and correspondence. Taken together, A Prodigy of Universal Genius: Robert Leslie Ellis, 18171859 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-rangingintellectual figures of early Victorian Britain, his contributions rangingfrom advanced mathematical analysis to profound commentaries on philosophyand classics and a decisive role in the orientation of mid-nineteenthcentury scholarship. This very welcome collection offers both new andauthoritative commentaries on the work, setting it in the context of themathematical, philosophical and cultural milieux of the period, togetherwith fascinating passages from the wealth of unpublished papers Elliscomposed during his brief and brilliant career.

- Simon Schaffer, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge