Chicago Botanic Garden

Education — Lenhardt Library

Current Books & Book Reviews

PHOTO: bookcover

Robert Huxley (editor).
The Great Naturalists.
New York: Thames & Hudson, 2007.
cloth, 304 pp., ISBN 978–0–5002–5239–3, $39.95.

In a salute to the great pioneers of natural history, editor Robert Huxley has gathered world biographical authorities from Europe and North America, centering on the significance of their individual efforts in the field. He divides the text into four historical periods: the ancients, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the nineteenth century. These intrepid men and a woman all had a common interest--advancing knowledge through collecting and describing specimens so that there would be a better understanding of the world around us. Whatever their field of concern, they had notable intelligence, drive, and the desire to pursue their diverse goals. Colorfully illustrated with paintings and drawings by the naturalists, the book is highly recommended for its content and literary style.

— Marilyn K. Alaimo, garden writer and volunteer, Chicago Botanic Garden.