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James Hutton
The Genius of Time
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This is the first complete biography of James Hutton, the father of modern geology, who was also a man of immensely wide-ranging intellectual achievements and one of the Scottish Enlightenment's brightest stars.
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Description
Discover one of the Scottish Enlightenment's brightest stars.
Among the giants of the Scottish Enlightenment, the name of James Hutton is overlooked. Yet his Theory of the Earth revolutionised the way we think about how our planet was formed and laid the foundation for the science of geology. He was in his time a doctor, a farmer, a businessman, a chemist, yet he described himself as a philosopherβa seeker after truth.
A friend of James Watt and Adam Smith, he was a polymath, publishing papers on subjects as diverse as why it rains and a theory of language. He shunned status and official position, refused to give up his strong Scots accent and vulgar speech, loved jokes, and could start a party in an empty room.
Yet much of his story remains a mystery. His papers, library, and mineral collection all vanished after his death, and only a handful of letters survive. He seemed to be a lifelong bachelor, yet had a secret son whom he supported throughout his life.
This book uses new sources and original documents to bring Hutton the man to life and places him firmly among the geniuses of his time.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Ray Perman's biography of James Hutton is lauded for its engaging and thorough exploration of Hutton's life and scientific contributions. Reviewers praise the book for its insightful context of Hutton's work, its comprehensive account that might remain definitive, and its approachable explanation of complex scientific theories. The narrative is described as thought-provoking and enriched with storytelling elements that capture the reader's imagination.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781780277851
Publisher: Birlinn General
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 01 September 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Birlinn Ltd
Illustration: 12pp colour plates
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 30.0mm
Width: 160.0mm
Height: 240.0mm
Weight: 532g
Pages: 304
About the Author
Ray Perman, a writer and journalist for 30 years, was chair of the James Hutton Institute and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, of which Hutton was a founder member. His previous books include The Rise and Fall of the City of Money and The Man Who Gave Away His Island.
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