Humboldt's Cosmos : Alexander Von Humboldt and the Latin American Journey That Changed the Way We See the World

Alexander von Humboldt was the reigning scientific mind of the early nineteenth century, a unique combination of naturalist and adventurer. With his companion Aimé Bonpland, Humboldt cut a six-thousand-mile swath across the New World, through what is now Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, and Cuba. Risking his life in treacherous terrain, he conducted the first extensive scientific study of the Andes and the Amazon, literally redrawing the map of the Americas and dramatically expanding our knowledge of the natural world. He brought back to Europe more than 60,000 plant specimens and a multitude of exotic New World animals, set an altitude record while climbing the volcano Chimborazo, made revolutionary discoveries regarding volcanoes and the Earth's magnetic field, and introduced millions of Americans and Europeans to the astonishing cultures of the Aztecs and the Incas. At the completion of his epic journey, Humboldt became one of the most celebrated men in the world, feted by Thomas Jefferson in Washington and invited to Napoleon's coronation in Paris. His ideas revolutionized scientific research; laid the groundwork for entire new fields of study, such as climatology, oceanography, and several branches of geography; and his adventures and insights profoundly illustrated followers such as Charles Darwin and Louis Agassiz. Today, more places and geographical features are named after Humboldt than any other historical figure, and scientists continue to build on the foundations he established. A tale of rousing adventure and groundbreaking science, Humboldt's Cosmos is a fascinating portrait of a brilliant mind and a bold spirit whose momentous journey of exploration greatly expanded the scope of his world—and ours. From 1799 To 1804, German Naturalist And Adventurer Alexander Von Humboldt Conducted The First Extensive Scientific Exploration Of Latin America. At The Completion Of His Arduous 6,000-mile Journey, He Was Feted By Thomas Jefferson, Presented To Napoleon And, After The Publication Of His Findings, Hailed As The Greatest Scientific Genius Of His Age. Humboldt’s Cosmos Tells The Story Of This Extraordinary Man Who Was Equal Parts Einstein And Livingstone, And Of The Adventure That Defined His Life. Gerard Helferich Vividly Recounts Humboldt’s Expedition Through The Amazon, Over The Andes, And Across Mexico And Cuba, Highlighting His Paradigm-changing Discoveries Along The Way. During The Course Of The Expedition, Humboldt Cataloged More Than 60,000 Plants, Set An Altitude Record Climbing The Volcano Chimborazo, And Introduced Millions Of Europeans And Americans To The Great Cultures Of The Inca And The Aztecs. In The Process, He Also Revolutionized Geology And Laid The Groundwork For Modern Sciences Such As Climatology, Oceanography, And Geography. His Contributions Would Profoundly Influence Future Greats Such As Charles Darwin And Shape The Course Of Science For Centuries To Come. Humboldt’s Cosmos Is A Dramatic Tribute To One Of History’s Most Audacious Adventurers, Who, As Stephen Jay Gould Noted, May Well Have Been The World’s Most Famous And Influential Intellectual.