Naturalist (Repost)

In Naturalist, Wilson describes for the first time bothhis growth as a scientist and the evolution of the sciencehe has helped define. He traces the trajectory ofhis life—from a childhood spent exploring the GulfCoast of Alabama and Florida to life as a tenuredprofessor at Harvard—detailing how his youthfulfascination with nature blossomed into a lifelongcalling. He recounts with drama and wit the adventuresof his days as a student at the University ofAlabama and his four decades at Harvard University,where he has achieved renown as both teacher and researcher.As the narrative of Wilson’s life unfolds, the reader is treated to aninside look at the origin and development of ideas that guide today’sbiological research. Theories that are now widely accepted in the scientificworld were once untested hypotheses emerging from one man’sbroad-gauged studies. Throughout Naturalist, we see Wilson’s mindand energies constantly striving to help establish many of the centralprinciples of the field of evolutionary biology.The story of Wilson’s life provides fascinating insights into the makingof a scientist, and a valuable look at some of the most thought-provokingideas of our time.