The much awaited historical biography of Alexander Macleay is finally here as James Donaldson is launches it at Elizabeth Bay House. Internationally famous botanist Professor David Mabberley of Oxford University will launch the book. He is the author of almost 20 books including an excellent biography of Robert Brown, Macleay's close scientific friend   The Scot, Alexander Macleay (1767-1848), was an entomologist and notable political figure in the nineteenth-century pioneer days of Sydney, Australia. Criticised for his salary, his free house and the large land grants he received, he was also ridiculed for his stature and his fat legs, that he survived this crude sniping until his retirement in 1846 is testament to his endurance and indefatigable nature.   The book draws from many sources including the Linnean Society of London for which he served as Secretary and the journals, political writings and newspapers of Sydney. Donaldson paints a strong portrait of a man who became Colonial Secretary for New South Wales in 1825 and whose scientific curiosity made his insect collection one of the most extensive in the world.