The Natural History of Selborne (Penguin Classics)

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

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.