57 pages • 1 hour read
The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World
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Summary and Study Guide
Overview
The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt’s New World (2015), authored by Andrea Wulf, is a biography of the Prussian naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt, whose ideas reshaped modern understanding of nature. This work falls within the genre of biographical nonfiction. Wulf, a seasoned historian and writer specializing in the history of science, illustrates why Humboldt’s revolutionary ecological concepts, formed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, are more important today than ever before. The book discusses The Birth of Ecological Thinking, Human Impact on the Natural World, The Role of Exploration in Advancing Scientific Knowledge, and The Collaborative Nature of Intellectual Endeavors.
This study guide refers to the 2015 Alfred A. Knopf Kindle e-book edition.
Content Warning: The source text and this guide discuss racism and enslavement.
Summary
The Prologue introduces Humboldt during a perilous ascent of Chimborazo, an inactive volcano in the Andes. This dramatic moment at 17,000 feet captures the essence of Humboldt’s scientific spirit and dedication to understanding nature, since he collects data amidst extreme conditions. This event sets the stage for Humboldt’s insights into the interconnectedness of nature, which significantly shaped modern environmental and geographical science.
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