A Cambridge-educated clergyman, William Kirby (1759-1850) published his first entomological work on the bees in his Suffolk parish. By contrast, the early writings of William Spence (c.1782-1860) were concerned with political economy. Having developed an interest in insects, Spence became acquainted with Kirby in 1805 and the pair collaborated on this influential four-volume illustrated work, originally published between 1815 and 1826. Spence researched...