Deep things out of darkness : a history of natural history / John G. T. Anderson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Anderson, John G. T., 1957-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Natural history--History.

Natural history.

Naturalists--History.

Naturalists.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (363 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Berkeley : University of California Press, c2013.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Natural history, the deliberate observation of the environment, is arguably the oldest science. From purely practical beginnings as a way of finding food and shelter, natural history evolved into the holistic, systematic study of plants, animals, and the landscape. Deep Things out of Darkness chronicles the rise, decline, and ultimate revival of natural history within the realms of science and public discourse. Ecologist John G. T. Anderson focuses his account on the lives and contributions of an eclectic group of men and women, from John Ray, John Muir, Charles Darwin, and Rachel Carson, who endured remarkable hardships and privations in order to learn more about their surroundings. Written in an engaging narrative style and with an extensive bibliography of primary sources, the book charts the journey of the naturalist's endeavor from prehistory to the present, underscoring the need for natural history in an era of dynamic environmental change.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

List Of Illustrations

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Adam'S Task, Job'S Challenge

1. From Hunter-Gatherers To Kings Of Kings

2. A Wonderful Man: Aristotle And Greek Natural History

3. The Spoils Of An Empire

4. An Emperor And His Descendants

5. New Worlds

6. Ray, Linnaeus, And The Ordering Of The World

7. Journeys Near And Far

8. Before The Origin

9. Forms Most Beautiful: Darwin

10. The Geography Of Nature: Humboldt

11. Hearts Of Light: Wallace And Bates

12. Spoils Of Other Empires

13. Breadfruit And Icebergs

14. Naturalists In New England: Thoreau, Agassiz, And Gray

15. From Muir And Alexander To Leopold And Carson

16. The Slow Death (And Resurrection) Of Natural History

Notes

References

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781283860376

1283860376

9780520954458

0520954459

OCLC:

821216798