A review by bookwoods
The Invention of Nature: Alexander Von Humboldt's New World by Andrea Wulf

5.0

The Invention of Nature ended up being impressive and inspiring beyond what I dared to hope! What Andrea Wulf sets out to do is recount the life of Alexander von Humboldt - one of the most influential scientists to have lived, yet who is largely forgotten. He is the first in the scientific community who clearly saw the interconnectedness of nature. Whose work paved the way for further research into ecology, conservation, evolutionary theory, climate change etc. 

“Humboldt was not known for a single fact or a discovery but for his worldview. His vision of nature has passed into our consciousness as if by osmosis. It is almost as though his ideas have become so manifest that the man behind them has disappeared.”

And there’s more. Not only do we get vivid descriptions of Humboltd’s explorations, but a dozen other profiles as well. Stories of people with all kinds of scientific interests, united in their connection to Humboldt. The Invention of Nature also sneakily gives a throughout history lesson, featuring events from the Napolean wars to political reforms in Europe and fights for independence in South America. Essentially, everything of major importance that occurred in the background from Humboldt’s birth in 1769 all the way up to the turn of the 20th century. By then Humboldt himself no longer led scientific discussions, but his influence was still stark and his name hadn’t yet been buried under conceptions we now take as obvious. 

I just adore this book immensely, partly because it has given me motivation for my own research, but I’m not sure how much it will appeal to people not involved in natural sciences. One certainly has to be interested in the history of science to be drawn to it, though the message carries into the future: 

“As scientists are trying to understand and predict the global consequences of climate change, Humboldt’s interdisciplinary approach to science and nature is more relevant than ever. His beliefs in the free exchange of information, in uniting scientists and in fostering communication across disciplines, are the pillars of science today.”