Alexander von Humboldt oder Die Sehnsucht nach der Ferne

by Volker Mehnert, Claudia Lieb (Illustrator)

"Ich hatte seit meiner ersten Jugend den glühenden Wunsch nach einer Reise in entfernte Länder." Reiselust, unstillbarer Wissensdurst - und eine Energie, die für zwei Leben gereicht hätte: Alexander von Humboldt war der größte Reisende und berühmteste Wissenschaftler seiner Zeit. Der "wahre Entdecker Amerikas" kletterte auf die höchsten Vulkane, befuhr unbekannte Flüsse, erkundete Flora und Fauna exotischer Länder, beflügelte Zeitgenossen wie Goethe und Darwin und stand im Austausch mit dem amerikanischen Präsidenten Thomas Jefferson und dem Freiheitskämpfer Simón Bolívar. Dieses wundervoll illustrierte Buch macht uns zu Humboldts Reisegefährten und lässt uns mit ihm staunen über das Netzwerk des Lebens.

Genres: Science, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Middle Grade, Adventure, Travel

112 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2019

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography is a great example for young minds that no matter what grades you have at school, you still can achieve great things. Grades shouldn’t be a defining moment in their lives.

Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), from Prussia (Germany), was a curious child poking around in the garden with the beetles and flowers. His grades were mediocre at best. While he visited botanical gardens, he dreamed about faraway places. That came true when he met Georg Forster who sailed with the British explorer James Cook. Alexander started with places close to England. As soon as he was able to fulfill his dream he was off to Americas.

Right before that he met Aime Bonpland, a young French scientist, who was interested in the study of plants. He accompanied Humboldt on all his travels across Americas. Aime collected most of the 60,000 plant varieties they brought back to Europe. Despite that for most of the part, he remained in the shadow of the famous Baron von Humboldt.

At nearly sixty, Humboldt accepted an invitation of Russian Tsar to explore Russia. He hoped to do a quick detour to Himalaya Mountains, but quickly realized that the guides he was given were there to monitor him and to make sure he stayed on the fixed route.

Alexander’s childhood and schooling time are very brief. I wished this part was a bit longer to reinforce the intended message that he was someone who defied the odds, which is also reinforced through his courageous exploration of Americas. But I still wished for a bit more of the first part.
This biography’s main concentration is his voyage with Aime Bonpland. It sheds light on Bonpland. Their story chronicles the geography, climate, flora and fauna of the places they visited, and what experiences those places entailed. In Mexico City, they had a bit different experience, with cobbled streets and booming economy, they examined the life, work, and economy of the people.

The book is filled with lavish colorful illustrations which help young readers understand the context of the story. It is an enjoyable read, but as the book is concentrated on their journey I’m not sure how engaged a child would be. I guess it may depend on child’s interests.

(Intended audience MG 8-12 years)

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was captured by the over-the-top grandiosity of the title - reminded me of a story I wrote for my boys when they were very little called "The Almost-Impossible-To-Believe-But-Who-Knows-Maybe-They-Could-Really-Happen Adventures of Myles and William." :)

So okay, maybe Humboldt wasn't the "greatest inventor-naturalist-scientist-explorer" EVER, but he's certainly someone who deserves greater recognition today than he seeems to have - if only for providing one of the best (and surprisingly) political quotes ever:



Many of my smarter GR friends have read the (apparently) excellent "grown-up" bio of Humboldt, Andrea Wulf's The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World, and I hope to get to that someday when I have more time (it's nearly 500 pages). But meanwhile, this 100+ pager (with lots of pretty pictures!) provided a nice update on a character of increasing personal interest; and before I get to Wulf I'll probably reread the Humboldt chapters in Sean Carroll's Remarkable Creatures: Epic Adventures in the Search for the Origin of Species and Daniel Kehlmann's Measuring the World.

[Nostalgia Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to Humboldt’s life and his explorations around the world. For such a prominent figure in the realm of natural history, science, and exploration, Humboldt is a forgotten figure for some reason in broader history and it’s a shame. It’s one of the reasons I’ve become quite interested in learning more about him, and this was a great introductory book. While it is geared more towards middle grade and high-level grade school readers, it’s one that provides a solid introduction to Humboldt for readers of any age. It’s broken up into sections based on the major explorations in his life, and also deftly weaves in Aime Bonpland’s role in the South American exploration as well (he was Humboldt’s close friend, fellow natural history nerd, and a successful botanist). The only thing I wasn’t much a fan of were the illustrations. While they were pretty, they didn’t really add anything to the narrative of the story. Some of the smaller illustrations did highlight certain people or places, which was helpful, but the full page illustrations didn’t really do much but set the mood and the tropical setting. However, the actual writing itself is quite excellent and I’d recommend it for anyone of any age looking for a brief introduction to Humboldt’s incredible life!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!

(Cross posted on my blog.)

[Marzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated children's non-fiction book about Prussian explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt is, at 112 pages, too long to be a classic picture book and a bit too illustrated to be a chapter reader. It nevertheless is a perfect fit for a child transitioning to non-fiction chapter readers that still offers ample illustration. Humboldt led a fascinating life and has been credited as the first scientist to link human activity to climate-change. His explorations in the Americas were seminal for the study of biogeography.

This is a lovely science-related book to offer children in the late elementary grades.

I received a Digital and Paper Review Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book aloud to several of my boys, ages 7-13, and they greatly enjoyed it. We had never heard of Alexander von Humboldt before, but his amazing exploits captured my sons' attention (who wouldn't be interested in someone who climbed down into live volcanoes?).

[Cynthia Argentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a childhood interest in “beetles and flowers” to daring expeditions up mountains and through jungles, Alexander von Humboldt showed an intense curiosity about nature. In this book, readers travel with Baron von Humboldt as he explores the globe at the dawn of the nineteenth century. We see how he channeled his natural interests into scientific pursuits—measuring, sampling, and taking notes everywhere he went.

Beautiful illustrations add depth and emotion to the text. Their colors captivate—intense reds for tropical fruits and flowers, lush greens in the rain forest, and moody browns and blues across the Andes plateau. Their scale and perspective help us feel small beneath desert cacti, exultant beside volcanic craters, and lonely along endless plains. The different styles of illustration, from small pencil sketches to two-page landscapes, mimic von Humboldt’s fascination with both tiny details and vast expanses.

The book’s format is refreshing. It combines chapter text, topical sidebars, and large, fully-illustrated pages to make an approachable biography for a wide range of ages.

Throughout the story, the author touches on important world events connected to von Humboldt’s adventures. He notes the baron’s personal connections to General Simon Bolivar, President Thomas Jefferson, and Tsar Nicholas I. Students who like history will enjoy how this book complements traditional texts about that period.

Overall, the book presents an effective overview of von Humboldt’s adventures, focusing on his bravery, ingenuity, and compassion. In the closing pages, the author states that von Humboldt believed “everything in the universe is connected. That humans make up only a tiny piece of the puzzle. That even a hidden seed or very small insect can have an important role to play.” Those ideas were ground-breaking at the time, and they are the reason we view von Humboldt as a forerunner of modern ecology. To more fully appreciate this aspect of his genius, I would have liked additional discussion of specific ecological interconnections, perhaps shared briefly in von Humboldt’s own words. Resources listed at the end of the book will help those interested in learning more.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest, voluntary review.

[Nele Handwerker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eine echte Perle der Kinderliteratur. Das Buch bereitet das Leben von Alexander von Humboldt spannend auf, webt Zitate ein, zeigt Details seiner Reise auf. Dabei erklären Texteinschübe Menschen,
Orte und Geschichtsereignisse. So wird der Text nicht unterbrochen. Die Illustrationen wechseln zwischen Farbbildern und Bleistiftskizzen. Großartig!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preread for 7th grade. The story is interesting and a good picture of the land of Central and South America, especially the volcanoes. The side notes are a little too PC for my liking and not necessary to the story of Humboldt's adventures.

[Ren ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ IsBuriedInBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander von Humboldt’s adventures were truly incredible, and his contributions to philosophy and a wide range of sciences were no less impressive.

This informative book details the travels of Alexander von Humboldt, which more often than not included his botanist/physician friend, Aimé Bonpland. Their travels, whether by boat, on foot, or atop mules, were extensive and, at times, quite dangerous. For adventurers leaving Europe in 1799, Humboldt and Bonpland made journey after journey into parts unknown without accurate maps or any modern conveniences, astonishing is an understatement.

While none of the book is boring, Humboldt’s life, travels, achievements, writings, scientific contributions, and interactions with people from all walks of life and across the globe, are quite expansive and Volker Mehnert’s book reflects that; in fact, its subtitle names Alexander von Humboldt The Greatest Inventor-Naturalist-Scientist-Explorer Who Ever Lived.

Claudia Lieb’s illustrations are vibrant, inspired and vary widely: from starry skies to snow-capped mountains; indigenous populations including not only humans, but flora and fauna; smaller sketches and edge-to-edge fully colored spreads. There are scenes described in Mehnert’s words where photography, more so than any illustration, could have better captured the majesty of the lands; shown better the magnitude of the mountains, waterfalls, and gigantic trees; and more brilliantly represented the colors of the flower petals or bird feathers.

For anybody aiming to take a deep look into the life of a man who sailed seas, climbed volcanoes and mountains, and who had one of the brightest minds, if not the brightest, of his time, this book is that resource. Alexander von Humboldt’s desire to learn, to explore, and to understand everything in his universe is fascinating. He is deserving of more recognition and this book is a solid step in making that happen.


Thanks to The Experiment and NetGalley for the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley #TheIncredibleYetTrueAdventuresOfAlexanderVonHumboldt

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Incredible yet True Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt: The Greatest Inventor-Naturalist-Scientist-Explorer Who Ever Lived is an biography for children written by Volker Mehnert and illustrated by Claudia Lieb. Explorer. Scientist. Polymath. Hero. In his day, Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859) was among the most renowned scholars of the Enlightenment. He led pioneering expeditions in Central and South America (including the Amazon rainforest) as well as in Siberia, and he arguably founded the natural sciences as we know them. Charles Darwin called Humboldt “the greatest scientific traveler who ever lived,” and credited him with inspiring the journey that resulted in On the Origin of Species. And yet, in history books, Humboldt has been eclipsed by his intellectual heirs and admirers—such as Darwin himself, John Muir, and Henry David Thoreau—until now.

The Incredible yet True Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt is a well written and researched book about an explorer and inventor that took part in many amazing expeditions and had a great impact on science. I like that it the story began with Humbolt being intelligent but distract able and frustrating his tutor. I think that could inspire readers with similar challenges academically to find their niche and work hard. Although I did find myself siding with his family a little as he quit his job and started exploring the world. It must be nice to do what ever you want with no obligations or money concerns, but I digress.I was glad to learn about his work, and thought the writing was easy to follow and accessible to middle grade readers. I liked the illustrated pages, and think the artwork added a great deal to the finished product. As a whole, it was a little dry at times and while I can admire the work he did, and the fact that it was not easy all the time, I cannot help but think about how many others with the same interests and intelligence could have done alongside, before, or after to further science if they only had the same opportunities.

The Incredible yet True Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt is an interesting and informative look at one inquisitive man's life. I like that it showed some of the challenges that he faced in his efforts to research and explore, but that the privilege of bring a rich man allowed him the opportunities that others with similar interests would not have had.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illustrated middle grade biography of Baron Alexander Von Humboldt, famous Prussian explorer of the Americas in the early 1800s.

Humboldt was a daring explorer, who with his friend, Aimé Bonpland, a botanist, explored and mapped parts of South America in modern day Venezuela, Ecuador, Columbia, and Peru. They then spent time in Cuba and Mexico, before venturing up to say hello to the U.S. President Thomas Jefferson and speak about their travels for crowds before returning to Europe five years after they initially left. Humboldt had been a mining scientist in Prussia before his adventuring days, and he had a deep fascination with volcanoes. They think he knew more about them than anyone else during his time period. He and Aimé also likely set records for the highest mountain climb of the time, as well as discovering plants and animals previously unknown to Europeans. Their talks in Europe were extremely popular. I was pleased to discover that Humboldt had a surprisingly and refreshingly respectful attitude towards the indigenous cultures he came across and was outspoken against slavery before it was popular to do so. The book mentions how he brought up the issue with Jefferson. (I just realized he was a contemporary of William Wilberforce and did a quick little search and found out that the two did communicate about abolitionist efforts.) After an exploration trip across Russia for the Czar, Humboldt spent most of his remaining years writing what we’d now call popular science books (I’m guessing he wrote one of the first of that genre). This was a fascinating read that isn’t all that long. Humboldt is a refreshing explorer to study for how he respected the people and cultures he came across, and his boundless energy and things he did are engaging reading. Recommended to biography fans, adventure fans, and curious readers.

Notes on content: Some of the illustrations show indigenous people in their traditional dress (which is very little by Western standards), but the impressionistic art style makes the practical nudity not detailed and not scandalous.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a 72-year-old grandmother who almost three years in South America in my 20s, including 10 months in Peru, mostly Lima but also doing research in Jauja outside of Huancayo and visiting Machu Pichu. I majored in Latin American history in college and knew of the Humboldt (now Peru) current but I had never read up on Humboldt's life and wanted to see if it would be good for my grandsons: ages 5, 8, 10 and 13.

Humboldt led a very exciting life as an explorer, naturalist, and scientist with a great concern for the people where he visited too in the Americas. This book vividly described his adventures and should be very appealing to youth who read it. It is definitely a chapter book, with pictures included to enhance the descriptions. When Huboldt returned from his 5 years in the Americas, he gave lectures.

I'm planning to read The Adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt by
Wulf, Andrea which is a graphic novel I believe, and also recently published.

He and his travel companion saw animals and plants of all sizes unknown to Europeans. He saw active volcanoes and mountains much taller than few European had ever seen. He was shocked how the Spanish conquistadors destroyed a civilization that had been much more advanced that the Europeans and put the natives into harsh servitude, in the name of greed.

People flocked to hear him because his lectures were not dry but exciting and a fascinating way to learn about the world. In his time, because of the instruments he used and the places he dared to travel, he knew more about the earth and the stars than anyone else in Europe. He alos met any scientists on his travels and was in touch with them as they all learned together.

Humboldt was an intrepid explorer and the most famous scientist of his time. He was the first to come up with the ideas that nature is very complex and intertwined and the action of one affects others. He is often referred to as the author of this quotation. But even if he wasn't, it sums up his way of thinking:

"The most dangerous world views are world views of people who have never viewed the world." I heartily agree.

The vocabulary is of a high level, but fine for 4th grade and up. It would be an easy introduction to 6--8th graders on the topic and quite worthwhile to read.

[Claudia Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful look into Humboldt’s life for young and old alike. Though being German as well, curiously I never learned that much in detail about him growing up. I have an aunt who worked at the Humboldt University in Berlin but that was probably the most I ever heard of him, until recent years. Watching the Bolivar series lately however, Humboldt’s name keeps coming up. I bought this book in recent years but didn’t pick it up until this weekend, hoping to catch up on some quick reads on a Christmas mountain getaway.
Thinking back to days spent walking through Cartagena, exploring the streets of Mexico City, standing in awe looking up at the pyramids of Teotihuacán, and living outside of Philadelphia, it’s so crazy to think that one walks in the footsteps of Humboldt. What amazed me most was not just the curiosity he had about learning about our planet but more than anything wanting to protect it and its indigenous inhabitants. Especially now more than ever, in a time where again greed and arrogance seem to overpower so much and rule the world his vehement opposition to slavery and the exploitation of indigenous people stands stronger than ever.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vividly pictorial survey of Humboldt's journeys throughout Latin America, which provided a lot of new information for me, let alone the target audience. The book is a little clumsy to read at times, with box-outs in the wrong place, and an awkward way of putting words into people's mouths ("'there are more mosquitos here than air,' the indigenous guides even complained" – allegedly). It's also modern in its thinking, ie too heavy-handed about the slavery of the continent and times, and the effects of the conquistadors. But the benefit of the book was a vivid telling of the journey he took with his travel companion, Aime Bonpland, whether it be linking the Orinoco river system with that of the Amazon, or climbing Ecuadorian volcanoes long before anybody else from their continent ever tried. The artwork varies between the modern landscape and the sketchy, as-if-from-his-notebooks detailed life studies, but it all works to make for a book that opens the eyes, and gives one a small sense of itchy feet. Go explore!

[Kami · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids and I absolutely loved this book!!! So much to learn about, and Alexander just is super fascinating. My boys (ages 5, 7, 10, and 12) begged me to keep reading every night. The pictures are good too, not my favorite style usually, but I thought they were great for this book and lots of them which my boys liked of course. Made me want to read Humboldt's actual books. We read this, and have been looking over Law's Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling, and each got a drawing pad (Leda Art Supply Perfect Premium A5 Sketch Book--they're the best) for summer (cough *school*cough), so they'll each need to do one page of drawing/journaling every day. That's one less hour they're not bickering or begging to be on Xbox. Oh wait, that's a lie, they'll still be bickering and begging, but at least I'll feel better about letting them on Xbox after that. Anyway, this book was the perfect lead in to all that. Also the app, iNaturalist, is AWESOME.

[Karenbike Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book while looking for The Adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt. This is the kid's version of his life and I'm glad I read it first. Humboldt was considered the second discoverer of the Americas. He and his partner explored much of south and central America while collecting studying, and measuring volcanoes, mountains, rivers, jungles, and cultures of the indigenous people. After many years they returned to Europe and Humboldt spent his remaining years exploring Asia, writing five volumes of his discoveries and, while living in semi-poverty, being lauded by people around the globe. His partner, Aime Bonpland, went his separate ways to explore southern Argentina and ended up being a prisoner for 10 years due to a conflict about exporting yerba mate- a type of medicinal tea.

[Kem White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book at the library. The text is 3-stars, the illustrations 5-stars. The life of Alexander von Humboldt is interesting and he is probably unheard of by most children today. The book details von Humboldt's trek across South American in the early 19th century. He was a great adventurer though his contributions to science seem much less. (Which could be why he is not particularly well-known today.) I'm not sure why the book's title calls him an inventor; none of von Humboldt's inventions were described in the book. The translation is okay though the author is unconcerned with providing the dates of von Humboldt's travels. The illustrations are beautiful and outstanding. Recommended for children and adults.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander von Humboldt was a daring and curious explorer who traveled by canoe and by foot across a great expanse of the Americas. He was one of the first to record the flora and fauna of the regions and climbed volcanoes and mountains that none had before him. He is unique in that he had great respect for all the cultures he encountered and was a strong abolitionist voice, making him a better historical character to be remembered and honored in our history books.

Naturalist, scientist, inventor, engineer, abolitionist, and explorer; his wisdom is summed up in his quote: "The most dangerous worldviews are the worldviews of people who have never viewed the world."

[Maughn Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

As my friend and the editor of the Thinking in Stories blog (https://www.montclair.edu/iapc/thinki...) Peter Shea wrote to me: "It is such a service to tell kids about Von Humboldt, who cut through so much nonsense. We might want to say that people in Jefferson's time accepted slavery or colonialism. And then we meet Von Humboldt. Or we might want to say that scientists aren't political. And then we meet Von Humboldt. Or one can say that there is only so much a human being can accomplish in one life. And then we meet Von Humboldt." This is a wonderful middle-grade introduction to Von Humboldt, with gorgeous artwork.

[Shilo Quetchenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an EXCELLENT biography. My second grader loved it. They're very into science and they enjoyed the adventure and the many different branches of science Humboldt loved. He definitely didn't stick to one.

We read it as a bedtime story, as a way to branch out from strictly science fact books like the Basher Science books. Which are also quite good, but sometimes it's good to break away from facts to read a narrative.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging middle grade biography with lots of beautiful illustrations. Absolutely would recommend for curious kids in the 8-12 range, particularly if they're interested in science and exploration.

While geared toward a middle grade audience, it was still an enjoyable read as an adult (perfect for adults like me who would be interested in learning about Alexander von Humboldt's life but unwilling to commit to a longer and more detailed biography).

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a unique mix of storytelling and interesting illustrations about Alexander von Humboldt. It was fun to read about his life which felt fresh even though he lived in the 1800's. The illustrations really stood out to me in this book as something that I think elevated this book above other biographies I've read.

[Beth Filar Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - enjoyed this fascinating story of a naturalist, environmentalist, scientist I barely knew yet all he discovered and shared with the world, the concept of connected network of all life on Earth. (also while realizing social injustice in the world)

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved The Invention of Nature (Andrea Wulf’s impressive book about von Humboldt) and thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautifully illustrated children’s book out loud to my kids. The adventures and perspectives of my favorite naturalist/writer/explorer never cease to impress and fascinate.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book, for free, in exchange for an honest review.

This could be good for older kids, but there was far too much dry text and not enough pictures to keep my 7 year old interested

[Andréa]

Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher at ALA Annual 2019.

[Tam I · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read an ARC. Great for middle. Excellent illustrated biography. Most students don’t know about this man.

[Jenny Claiborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated children's non-fiction! It's a bit long, but for someone interested in discovering more about von Humboldt, it's a great combination of text and pictures.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful, beautifully illustrated children’s book about a man, famous in his own time, but virtually unknown today.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about this amazing explorer and naturalist and his fascinating adventures and discoveries! It was a true gem.