The Invention of Nature

57 pages • 1 hour read

The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World

Andrea WulfNonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2015

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Download PDF

Book Brief

Andrea Wulf

The Invention of Nature

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2015

Book Details

Pages

473

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Genre

Travel Literature

•

Biography

Setting

Global • 18th-19th centuries

Theme

•

•

Topic

•

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Super Short Summary

The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt’s New World by Andrea Wulf is a biography detailing the life of Prussian naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt, highlighting his influential contributions to modern ecological science. The book traces his transformative expeditions to South America, his methods of interconnected scientific observation, and his impact on subsequent scholars and fields.

Informative

Adventurous

Inspirational

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

31,168 ratings

86%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf has been widely praised for its engaging storytelling and thorough research, making the story of Alexander von Humboldt both informative and captivating. While some critics felt the narrative could be dense at times, most agreed that Wulf successfully revitalizes the legacy of a pivotal yet overlooked figure in science and exploration.

Who Should Read The Invention of Nature?

Readers captivated by intricate, well-researched biographies and environmental history will relish The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf. Fans of David McCullough's The Wright Brothers or Walter Isaacson’s Leonardo da Vinci will appreciate the vivid storytelling and profound impact of Alexander von Humboldt's life and work.

4.5