Seahorse Natural History

Author: Gilbert White
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2002-12-01
Features: The Natural History of Selborne—this name might seem a bit stiff, as if it were a part of local lore on natural history. But no, it is a shining gem in 18th-century English literature, published 150 years ago and still, included in various collections, enjoyed by people of all ages. Written in the form of letters by the famous 18th-century naturalist and writer Gilbert White, this natural history account brings to life the birds, animals, plants, insects, and fish of one of England's most charming villages—Selborne. For over two centuries, it has been a beloved read for all ages, becoming one of the most delightful legacies left by that century. The charm of these letters today lies in their literature, in their pastoral appeal. The elegant and lucid prose paints vivid pictures, capturing the lifelike scenes of Selborne and preserving its timeless charm and the freshness of its origins. In the 20th century, the ecological movement has hailed this book as one of the scriptures of ecology. In 1996, the U.S. magazine Outside ranked it among the "10 Books That Changed the World" (from the perspective of ecological awareness), cementing its status beyond the pastoral charm. The book has gained new reasons to be read. The fame of the book has elevated the land itself, and Selborne, the birthplace of White, has now become a pilgrimage site for nature enthusiasts in the UK and the U.S.