In 'Nat the Naturalist: A Boy's Adventures in the Eastern Seas' by George Manville Fenn, readers are transported into a world of exotic landscapes and thrilling adventures through the eyes of the young protagonist, Nat. Written in a style that appeals to both children and adults, Fenn combines vivid descriptions of the Eastern Seas with a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The book's adventurous spirit and emphasis on nature make it a unique piece of children's literature that stands out in the Victorian era. Fenn's attention to detail and ability to create a sense of wonder in the natural world make this book both educational and entertaining. The novel's themes of exploration, discovery, and the beauty of the natural world resonate with readers of all ages, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed today.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1845.

At once a major resource for historians of science and an excellent introduction to natural history for the general reader, David Allen's The Naturalist in Britain established a precedent for investigating natural history as a social phenomenon. Here the author traces the evolution of natural history from the seventeenth to the early twentieth centuries, from the "herbalizings" of apprentice apothecaries to the establishment of national reserves and international societies to the emergence of natural history as an organized discipline. Along the way he describes the role of scientific ideas, popular fashion, religious motivations, literary influences, the increase of leisure time and disposable income, and the tendency of like-minded persons to form clubs. His comprehensive and entertaining discussion creates a vibrant portrait of a scientific movement inextricably woven into a particular culture.