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caroparr's review against another edition
4.0
I had read this years ago and loved it, re-read the chapters on Herschel in conjunction with our book club read of [b:The Stargazer's Sister|25430659|The Stargazer's Sister|Carrie Brown|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1430696427s/25430659.jpg|45191199]. Lively and fascinating look at explorers, scientists, plant collectors, and other romantics.
swoody788's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely fascinating. I loved learning more about the people of this era who were only names to me before. The details of Joseph Banks' escapades in Tahiti, the astronomical discoveries of William and Caroline Herschel, and the almost tragic life of Humphrey Davy were especially enthralling. It was obvious that Holmes meticulously researched every detail and has a great love for these historical figures, and I appreciated the insightful conclusions he drew based on his knowledge, as well as his wit in relaying this story. Aside from some new role models (you must learn about Caroline Herschel if you haven't already!), the greatest thing I gained from this book is the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder about the world (which was the author's goal, I think), as that can lead to marvelous discoveries. 4.5 stars
fourtriplezed's review
3.0
The idea of reading history is to hopefully learn from one's curiosity on the subject at hand, and I was lucky to learn about the Romantic Generation in the Age of wonder.
Author Richard Holmes has dominated the telling of this story with the lives of outstanding astronomer William Herschell, Humphry Davy of the miner’s lamp fame and to a lesser degree Sir Joseph Banks, famous for his journey to Tahiti in 1769 and a long life as president of the Royal Society. A few others come into the story told, such as African explorer Mungo Park, Herschel’s incredibly talented younger sister Caroline and Mary Shelley.
Interweaving each of the individuals mentioned above into an Age of Wonder narrative is on paper a grand idea and could be perfect for anyone that enjoys popular history. The first chapter, on Banks, was magnificent and should have set the tone. Unfortunately, at about the halfway point I thought the author became bogged down by spending far too much time on the literacy pretensions of some protagonists and as time went on I began to wonder the point of the short Mungo Park chapter and with that the one on Mary Shelly.
Be that as it may this is a good read and will have been enjoyed by many, it just may not be my style of delivery. The footnote, end notes, the bibliography and the plates are excellent. Holmes is a very good writer at his best and as I said above I learnt a lot. In fact, I am curious for more. One can’t want much more than that, can they?
Recommended to anyone that likes popular history.
Author Richard Holmes has dominated the telling of this story with the lives of outstanding astronomer William Herschell, Humphry Davy of the miner’s lamp fame and to a lesser degree Sir Joseph Banks, famous for his journey to Tahiti in 1769 and a long life as president of the Royal Society. A few others come into the story told, such as African explorer Mungo Park, Herschel’s incredibly talented younger sister Caroline and Mary Shelley.
Interweaving each of the individuals mentioned above into an Age of Wonder narrative is on paper a grand idea and could be perfect for anyone that enjoys popular history. The first chapter, on Banks, was magnificent and should have set the tone. Unfortunately, at about the halfway point I thought the author became bogged down by spending far too much time on the literacy pretensions of some protagonists and as time went on I began to wonder the point of the short Mungo Park chapter and with that the one on Mary Shelly.
Be that as it may this is a good read and will have been enjoyed by many, it just may not be my style of delivery. The footnote, end notes, the bibliography and the plates are excellent. Holmes is a very good writer at his best and as I said above I learnt a lot. In fact, I am curious for more. One can’t want much more than that, can they?
Recommended to anyone that likes popular history.
flexasaurus's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
epersonae's review against another edition
4.0
An examination of (primarily English) science from Joseph Banks to Charles Darwin -- using the round-the-world voyages of each as bookends, follows the early professionalization of science as it evolved from "natural philosopher" to "scientist." The other major figures of the book are William Herschel, his sister Caroline, and Humphrey Davy. Fascinating biographies: lots of folks literary and scientific wander through. I would have liked to have seen more of the Romantic poets, although I think he's written about them in previous books.
He makes a good case for more of an overlap of science and poetry, one that gives me a great deal of personal satisfaction. Davy actually wrote some beautiful poetry, along with messing around with nitrous oxide and inventing the safety lamp. It makes me want to simultaneously write more poetry and watch a bunch of PBS science shows. :)
Wonderfully evocative writing, although the pacing was a little jumpy, and it assumed more knowledge of late 18th/early 19th century British history than I've got. Still, definitely recommended.
He makes a good case for more of an overlap of science and poetry, one that gives me a great deal of personal satisfaction. Davy actually wrote some beautiful poetry, along with messing around with nitrous oxide and inventing the safety lamp. It makes me want to simultaneously write more poetry and watch a bunch of PBS science shows. :)
Wonderfully evocative writing, although the pacing was a little jumpy, and it assumed more knowledge of late 18th/early 19th century British history than I've got. Still, definitely recommended.
carmelitasita's review against another edition
3.0
Would have given it at least four stars after the first half but the second kind of slowed the pace. A little in awe of how much poetry and literature he included (which is also why the pace started to drag).