Darwin's Mentor: John Stevens Henslow, 1796-1861 [Hardcover]

S. M. Walters (Author), E. A. Stow (Author), Patrick Bateson (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521591465 | ISBN-13: 978-0521591461 | Publication Date: October 22, 2001

John Stevens Henslow is known for his formative influence on Charles Darwin, who described their meeting as the one circumstance "which influenced my career more than any other." A Professor of Botany at Cambridge University, Henslow was Darwin's teacher and eventual life-long friend, but what of the man himself? In this new biography, much previously unpublished material has been carefully gathered to produce a rounded picture of a remarkable academic and Victorian philanthropist. The time in 1829-31, when Darwin "walked with Henslow" in and around Cambridge, was followed directly by Darwin's voyage around the world. The gradually changing relationship between teacher and pupil over the course of time is revealed through their correspondence, illuminating a remarkable friendship that persisted, in spite of Darwin's eventual atheism and Henslow's never-failing liberal Christian belief, to the end of Henslow's life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This fascinating book contains many beautiful illustrations and should appeal to naturalists and historians of science." Choice

"The book is handsomely produced...It touches on all aspects of Henslow's busy life and undoubtedly will be his definative biography." Journal of the History of Biology

"An enjoyable read, of interest both to academics and anyone wanting to know more about Darwin and his influences."
Southeastern Naturalist

Book Description

John Stevens Henslow is known for his formative influence on Charles Darwin, who described meeting this Professor of Botany as the one circumstance 'which influenced my career more than any other'. But what of the man himself? In this new biography, much previously unpublished material has been carefully sifted and selected to produce a rounded picture of a remarkable and unusually likable academic. The gradually changing relationship with Darwin is revealed through their correspondence, illuminating a friendship which persisted to the end of Henslow's life.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 22, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521591465
• ISBN-13: 978-0521591461
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,147,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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