The Natural History of Selborne (Classic, Nature, Penguin) [Paperback]

Gilbert White (Author)

Book Description

Series: Classic, Nature, Penguin | Publication Date: July 1, 1997

Gilbert White's beautifully written evocation of the natural world of Selborne based on his correspondence with two distinguished naturalists of the day has endured in popularity since its first publication in 1788-9. Suggesting that the lives of birds and animals have their own richness and rhythm, White's book, more than any other, has shaped our everyday view of the relations between humans and nature.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Founded in 1906 by J.M. Dent, the Everyman Library has always tried to make the best books ever written available to the greatest number of people at the lowest possible price. Unique editorial features that help Everyman Paperback Classics stand out from the crowd include: a leading scholar or literary critic's introduction to the text, a biography of the author, a chronology of her or his life and times, a historical selection of criticism, and a concise plot summary. All books published since 1993 have also been completely restyled: all type has been reset, to offer a clarity and ease of reading unique among editions of the classics; a vibrant, full-color cover design now complements these great texts with beautiful contemporary works of art. But the best feature must be Everyman's uniquely low price. Each Everyman title offers these extensive materials at a price that competes with the most inexpensive editions on the market-but Everyman Paperbacks have durable binding, quality paper, and the highest editorial and scholarly standards. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Edited with an introduction by Richard Mabey --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 282 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (July 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140264868
• ISBN-13: 978-0140264869
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,310,475 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars watching nature carefully with great amusement, July 6, 2000

By 

neil hoffmann (Bryn Mawr, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Natural History of Selborne (Classic, Nature, Penguin) (Paperback)

Gilbert White lived the quietest life, but he succeeded in gaining the attention of all the prominent naturalists of the 18th century. His only book was the result of years of observations of his gardens and surrounding countryside of southern England. Written in the form of letters to interested fellow naturalists, White comments on birds, geology, insects, and even a visit to a North American moose that has been imported by a neighbor. As a writer, Gilbert White is astute in combining his observations with a charming delight in everything he sees that makes the reader want to follow him wherever he goes.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FOR SOMETHING QUITE DIFFERENT AND A CHALLANGE!, July 19, 2008

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Natural History of Selborne (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

Well, it took me about three years of on and off reading to finish this work, but I finally managed it. I am delighted I did so, and feel much richer for the accomplishment. This book, first published in 1789 is a worthwhile read on so many levels. Gilbert White, like the vast majority of naturalists, and indeed, scientists, of the time, was an Anglican Cleric. Most who participated in the study of science (overall known as "Natural History"), and the world around them were either like White, or they were financially independent gentlemen, such as Charles Darwin and his contemporaries, who had the time, inclination and wealth to indulge their interests. This does not mean though that their work was any less valid, and this certainly holds true for Gilbert White and his wonderful "The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne."

White spent quite a number of years observing and recording the world around him in Southern England. He has recorded his finding in this work which comes in the forms of letters written to various peers. All things "natural" were considered by White; birds, animals, plants, climatic changes, building material, seasonal changes, et al. The author, primarily an ornithologist, was one of the first to advocate and practice the study of birds through direct observation, rather than killing and collecting. He was one of the first that used bird calls as a means of identification. His study of earthworms in 1770 predated Darwin's famous study by quite a number of years. His writings are some of the first recorded observations of modern phenology.

The reading of this work, for me, took some effort. The style and syntax are of course Victorian, or in this case, pre-Victorian. I found I had to drag all of my old Latin books from my school days out (hey, it has been over forty years) and found that a very large dictionary of the English Language an absolute must. There was also the problem of taxology. To be quite frank, at that time, it was a mess. Some species had numerous scientific names and dozens upon dozens of local or regional names. I read the 1901 edition of this book, and I can assure you that it is not footnoted to take care of this problem...you are on your own! The complete and very large dictionary is necessary due to the many, many archaic terms and words used in this work. The vocabulary used in this book simply is not common, unless of course this is the area of your education and expertise. These problems and the chore of reading sentences that run for half a page were daunting, but to be honest, that was part of the charm of the book and part of its strength. It forces the reader (at least it did me), to get off their duff and actually do some research. I learn so much when I read one of these old works. It is worth the struggle!

Overall tough, you will find the author's style quite crisp and to the point when you consider the era in which it was written. His powers of observation are wonderful and if you read his words closely, you can almost imagine yourself standing with him as he is observing, recording and speculating on his numerous subjects. What a mind the man must have had. I would have loved to have spent several days just setting and talking with him. If you get a chance, get a copy, an old one preferably, and give this one a try. I feel, like me, you will not be sorry you did.