The Invention of Nature

Alexander von Humboldt's New World

By: Andrea Wulf

Narrated by: David Drummond

Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) was an intrepid explorer and the most famous scientist of his age. His restless life was packed with adventure and discovery, whether climbing the highest volcanoes in the world or racing through anthrax-infested Siberia. He came up with a radical vision of nature, that it was a complex and interconnected global force and did not exist for man's use alone. Ironically, his ideas have become so accepted and widespread that he has been nearly forgotten.

Now Andrea Wulf brings the man and his achievements back into focus: his investigation of wild environments around the world; his discoveries of similarities between climate zones on different continents; his prediction of human-induced climate change; his remarkable ability to fashion poetic narrative out of scientific observation; and his relationships with iconic figures such as Simón Bolívar and Thomas Jefferson. Wulf examines how his writings inspired other naturalists and poets such as Wordsworth, Darwin, and Goethe, and she makes the compelling case that it was Humboldt's influence on John Muir that led him to his ideas of preservation and that shaped Thoreau's Walden.

Humboldt was the most interdisciplinary of scientists and is the forgotten father of environmentalism. With this brilliantly researched and compellingly written audiobook, she makes clear the myriad, fundamental ways that Humboldt created our understanding of the natural world.

©2015 Andrea Wulf. Recorded by arrangement with Doubleday, an imprint of the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. (P)2015 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

How come we’ve never heard of Humboldt?

One of the most extraordinary scientists you’ll ever encounter, sadly neglected by educators. The narrator’s raspy voice was hard to understand at times.

MAGNIFICENT!!!! Humboldt was a true genuis!

What made the experience of listening to The Invention of Nature the most enjoyable?

OH, learning so much about the origination of connections of science, art, climatology, botany, etc. Just a thrilling amount of information that made me constantly say, "Oh! Wow!"

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Invention of Nature?

Many! Humboldt's understanding of the web of life and how when one thread is disturbed, all others are affected. He predicted climate change. His writings were like a bible for Thoreau, Darwin, John Muir, Herkel, etc.

Which character – as performed by David Drummond – was your favorite?

The narrator told a story rather than embody dialog.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I felt GREATLY enlightened!

Any additional comments?

If you love Thoreau, John Muir, Fredric Church, etc. you will LOVE this book.

In which Himalaya is pronounced Him-All-Yah

The narrator sounds like he usually does summer action movie preview commercials. It's a bit overwrought, and doesn't match the tone of the book.

The book itself is good. Humboldt was a remarkable person, and almost forgotten today, despite numerous parks, streets, and more being named after him. Wulf gives him his due, and shines in bringing out his personality as well as his scientificachievements.

It could have done without the environmental preaching at the end. The chapter on Humboldt's admirer Ernst Haeckel makes no mention of Heackel's very public belief in eugenics. This is a big omission, and one wonders if she left out unflattering things about the other people she profiles, such as Sierra Club founder John Muir.

A must read.

Outstanding and enlightening. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Nature, history, geology, botany, and beauty.

un descubrir a la Naturaleza a través de HUMBOLDT​

me gusta descubrir a HUMBOLDT y llamo naturaleza fantástica que transmite Wulf, es un regalo.

A great book for a great man!

What a fascinating man. Andrea Wulf has certainly captured a story everyone should know, especially in these times when Humboldt's ideas and perspective are sorely needed.

Absolutely Inspiring

Any additional comments?

I was looking for a non-fiction adventure, not a biography. But this proved me wrong. Great stories and historical accounts. Such an in-depth look! Left me with a list of people to read about! Thank you!

Exploration,History,Politics blended with Science

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Wulf did a fantastic job presenting the narrative of an amazing individual who pushed the sciences across a broad spectrum. I enjoy how the historical figures and events Humboldt was involved with filter in and out of his expeditions and life story. Great listen.

Required reading for all environmentalists

This should be required reading for anyone who follows and sympathizes with environmental issues. Humboldt is exceptionally significant and should be much better known. Fascinating life. Great read.

"A satisfying, even revelatory work"

What a treat to discover that so much of modern environmental thought had been initiated so early by this farseeing and intrepid polymath. My firmament has a new pole star.