The Life and Letters of Gilbert White of Selborne

Published in 1901, this illustrated two-volume biography traces the renowned naturalist's life and achievements, incorporating a selection of his correspondence.

Rashleigh Holt-White (Edited by)

9781108076494, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 1 January 2015

342 pages, 17 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm, 0.44 kg

Published in 1901, this illustrated two-volume biography of the renowned English naturalist Gilbert White (1720–93) presents a thorough account of his life and achievements. Prepared by White's great-great-nephew Rashleigh Holt-White (1826–1920), it incorporates a selection of White's correspondence with family and friends, providing valuable insights into his beliefs and character. Included are letters sent by White's lifelong friend John Mulso (1721–91), who praised the naturalist's work, predicting it would 'immortalise' White and his Hampshire village. Still considered a classic text, The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne (1789), featuring White's careful observations of local flora and fauna, is also reissued in the Cambridge Library Collection. In the present work, Holt-White sought to correct the 'erroneous statements' that had previously been made about his relative. Volume 2 traces White's life from September 1776, considering the impact of the loss of family members, and his legacy after his death.

1. The influence of Mr Grimm
2. The new parlour completed
3. Account of Collins in The Gentleman's Magazine
4. Haunted by passages of music
5. A recipe for a mad dog's bite
6. Death of Mr Yalden
7. The Wilts method of brewing
8. A Selborne parish return
9. A remarkable prophecy
10. Dr Chandler settles at Selborne
11. Dr John White marries
12. Funeral directions
Index.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]