The Naturalist: The Remarkable Life of Allan Riverstone McCulloch

by Brendan Atkins

Allan Riverstone McCulloch (1885–1925) was a leading scientist and talented illustrator, the Australian Museum’s most senior curator and its star exhibition designer. Yet history has ignored his many contributions. A free spirit and an expert on Australia’s fish species, McCulloch was happiest on field trips collecting specimens on the Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe Island, and beyond. He escaped office politics at the museum to accompany cinematographer Frank Hurley on an expedition to tropical Papua in 1922, but controversy erupted when officials accused them of stealing secret, sacred artefacts for the museum's collection. The trip also left McCulloch with dysentery and malaria, and his mental health declined. In The Naturalist , Brendan Atkins explores McCulloch’s scientific genius and artistic talents, and his crucial role in the development of the Australian Museum. It’s a fascinating and unflinching look at the remarkable life of a brilliant yet troubled Australian.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2022

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye-opening biography of one of Australia's most prolific ichthyologists from the turn of the 20th century. While the timeline jumps around, the book is easy to read and the subject is tackled with humour. What could have been a very dense book (given the subject was a museum curator from 100+ years ago) it is very well thought out and gives a fascinating look into the way museum collections were curated and the politics of it all. McCulloch's work at the Australian Museum and the attention to detail is inspiring and his story is finally told.

[Mark Mcgrouther · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific book! Brendan Atkins has done a wonderful job bringing to light the life of a complex man. Until now, McCulloch's huge contribution to the the study of ichthyology and the Australian Museum has been undervalued. Well done Brendan for bringing McCulloch's life, the good and the not-so-good, into the spotlight.