The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf is a thrilling adventure story as much as a science book about a polymath who had an extraordinary impact on our contemporary understanding of nature. We should be taking our cues from Humboldt - be curious and be informed by science on the big issues - Brian Cox The decisive factor for the winning book was that it excited and gripped us as judges the most. His interdisciplinary approach puts paid to the ridiculous notion that science and the arts are separate entities. Moreover, he was a polymath who was curious about everything and was a superb communicator. It was deeply researched and reported it told a fine and little known story it connected the personal to a big idea, and the past to a very pressing present-day concern * The Atlantic * Humboldt may not be well known today but he remains very much of our time: his work tackled many of today's big issues like climate change and biodiversity loss and the interconnectedness of nature. vivid, atmospheric and engrossing, a beautiful portrait * Tribune * When I read The Invention of Nature, long before it was nominated for the Royal Society prize, it was obvious that it was a contender for major honors. The Invention of Nature is highly recommended * ICON * In this meticulously researched and beautifully written biography, Andrea Wulf skilfully rescues Alexander von Humboldt from his undeserved obscurity as she chronicles his long and fascinating life *, 10 Best Popular Science Books of 2016 * gripping account of Alexander von Humboldt's synthesis of the science of the natural world - Stephen Curry * Guardian 'Favourite reads of 2016 as chosen by scientists' * Concise, well-written and extensively researched book. Timely and significant-particularly given current attacks on climate change science - this is scientific biography at its best * Winner of the 2017 Dingle Prize * Deep scholarship and entertaining writing style. The award of the Dingle Prize particularly recognizes Andrea Wulf's mastery of the vast range of history of science scholarship on Humboldt and her command of original sources in multiple languages.
This beautifully written biography effectively conveys his significance to a wide audience, in an animated and adventurous narrative that echoes the liveliness of Humboldt's own writings. Historians of science have long recognized the naturalist and traveller Alexander von Humboldt as a pivotal figure in the history of science, but for too long he has been undervalued in the English-speaking world.
0 kommentar(er)
