Discussion thread for Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf
I read this book after listening to the Omnibus episode on Alexander von Humboldt. As a biologist, I had heard about the Humboldt current, the Humboldt penguin and the Humboldt squid, but had no idea they were named after the same person, and how that person had such a profound effect on earth science, ecology and on Darwin himself.
The book was great- very thorough, and I liked how the author painted a picture of not only Humboldt's background but also the geopolitical realities of the time. I mostly liked the tracking of his influence by following other characters (Thoreau, Darwin etc), though I felt this could have been shortened considerably.
For a synopsis of von Humboldt's life and influence, honestly the Omnibus episode 185 does a great job. You can't go wrong with this book if you want the in-depth look at the life of an amazing scientist.
I read this book after listening to the Omnibus episode on Alexander von Humboldt. As a biologist, I had heard about the Humboldt current, the Humboldt penguin and the Humboldt squid, but had no idea they were named after the same person, and how that person had such a profound effect on earth science, ecology and on Darwin himself.
The book was great- very thorough, and I liked how the author painted a picture of not only Humboldt's background but also the geopolitical realities of the time. I mostly liked the tracking of his influence by following other characters (Thoreau, Darwin etc), though I felt this could have been shortened considerably.
For a synopsis of von Humboldt's life and influence, honestly the Omnibus episode 185 does a great job. You can't go wrong with this book if you want the in-depth look at the life of an amazing scientist.