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A review by brighroosh
The Invention of Nature: Alexander Von Humboldt's New World by Andrea Wulf
4.0
Anrea Wulf ties together the life and writings/artwork of Alexander von Humboldt with the naturalists/writers/scientists who followed in his footsteps. Much the same way that Humboldt tied together his love of nature with poetry, scientific research, exploration, and the first stirrings of environmentalism.
How fascinating to learn of his relationships with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin, and Simon Bolivar, and how heartwarming to learn of his praise and assistance to his aspiring students throughout his long life. The 100th anniversary of his long life was commemorated throughout the world.
Wulf's tremendous research allows us to glimpse notes taken in the margins of books written by Humboldt (such as "Cosmos") by his devotees: Henry David Thoreau, George Perkins Marsh, Ernst Haeckel, and John Muir. All who were influenced by Humboldt and incorporated his ideas in their lives.
One of the astonishing things I learned was about how Haeckel's detailed drawings of microscopic sea creatures influenced the Art Nouveau movement. Everything from electric light switches to the entrance gate at the Paris World Fair of 1900. Who knew? Haeckel had embraced Humboldt's writings and they guided his life's work.
Bravo Ms. Wulf!
How fascinating to learn of his relationships with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin, and Simon Bolivar, and how heartwarming to learn of his praise and assistance to his aspiring students throughout his long life. The 100th anniversary of his long life was commemorated throughout the world.
Wulf's tremendous research allows us to glimpse notes taken in the margins of books written by Humboldt (such as "Cosmos") by his devotees: Henry David Thoreau, George Perkins Marsh, Ernst Haeckel, and John Muir. All who were influenced by Humboldt and incorporated his ideas in their lives.
One of the astonishing things I learned was about how Haeckel's detailed drawings of microscopic sea creatures influenced the Art Nouveau movement. Everything from electric light switches to the entrance gate at the Paris World Fair of 1900. Who knew? Haeckel had embraced Humboldt's writings and they guided his life's work.
Bravo Ms. Wulf!