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megegghan's review against another edition
4.0
I rarely read biographies, and somehow didn't exactly realize that is what this book is when I checked it out from the library. I knew basically nothing about Alexander Von Humboldt despite owning a Penguin edition of his Personal Narrative (due to enjoyment of 'new world' travel writing more than an interest in ecology). I have a newfound appreciation for this man and look forward to finally reading some of his writing. There are a few 'mini biographies' scattered throughout about people whose lives and careers were influenced by Humboldt - as a lifelong Californian the final chapter on John Muir really hit my heart.
coppenh23's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
jcoryv's review against another edition
5.0
Basically read a chapter or so a day.
A few thoughts... read the graphic novel, which covers the first third of this book too. Highly recommend reading together.
Humboldt was a polymath. I feel the author Andrea Wulf must be too... to find all the various resources and combine them into a (very) readable narrative is amazing.
And talk about an influencer... Humboldt was the original: Goethe, Bolivar, Jefferson, Darwin; just to name a few. Wow.
A few thoughts... read the graphic novel, which covers the first third of this book too. Highly recommend reading together.
Humboldt was a polymath. I feel the author Andrea Wulf must be too... to find all the various resources and combine them into a (very) readable narrative is amazing.
And talk about an influencer... Humboldt was the original: Goethe, Bolivar, Jefferson, Darwin; just to name a few. Wow.
arielkirst's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.5
I knew absolutely nothing of Humboldt before starting this. It gave an excellent rendition of his life as well as the impacts he had on naturalists and the preservation of nature. Would highly recommend!
krichardson's review against another edition
3.0
Could have benefitted from some harsher editing to remove some of the repetitiveness and sidetracks.
isa71100's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0