The Discovery of Nature

Magnificent book about the evolution of our views on nature Illustrated with unique images from historical collections The ideal gift for lovers of nature and history

From the early sixteenth century onwards, more and more studies were published in Europe with a very lively depiction of plants and animals. In the centuries that followed, more and more research into the natural world (from very large to very small) was conducted and the art of depicting this wondrous nature was perfected.

Many of the most important natural history manuscripts, printed books, drawings and watercolours can be found in the Artis Library, part of the Allard Pierson, the collections of the University of Amsterdam. With the help of this material, the author unfolds twenty stories. About dragons, insects, bacteria, birds and much more. The result is an entertaining and richly illustrated book. The discoveries described are supported by numerous anecdotes about the special men and women who, between 1500 and 1900, helped us understand the life around us and that of our own species so much better.

245 x 324 mm | 256 pages | 50,000 words full colour illustrations | hardcover all rights available

Hans Mulder was trained as a historian and works as curator of the Artis Library of the University of Amsterdam. He publishes on the history of books and natural history; topics that are part of his lectures at the University of Amsterdam.