The Invention of Nature: Alexander Von Humboldt’s New World
How did we forget about Alexander von Humboldt? Learn all about the polymath who helped shape our understanding of the natural world.
Welcome to the SciFri Book Club page about The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf. There’s lots of ways to participate: Read the book, join our community space, attend an event, sign up for our email newsletter, or email us with your thoughts.
This August, the SciFri Book Club is reading The Invention of Nature: Alexander Von Humboldt’s New World by Andrea Wulf. Alexander von Humboldt, the 19th century German naturalist and polymath, conceptualized nature as a complex and interconnected global force that does not exist for the use of humankind alone. Although his work was extremely influential in the world of conservation, today he is all but forgotten. In this illuminating biography, Andrea Wulf brings Humboldt’s extraordinary life back into focus, and shows the ways his ideas form the foundation of modern environmentalism.
The Invention of Nature brings together a range of topics, including biology, ecology, botany, conservation, science history and more—and we’ll touch on these ideas throughout this Book Club season. You can get your copy from your local bookstore or on Bookshop.org.
This Book Club season kicks off Thursday, August 1, and you can read along with us! We’ll be (loosely) following this schedule, but all our readers are welcome to join us at their own pace:
- August 1-4: Part I. Departure
- August 5-11: Part II. Arrival
- August 12-18: Part III. Return
- August 19-26: Parts IV and V. Influence and New Worlds
- August 27-31: Final thoughts
Plus, we’ll be hosting events throughout the month! Keep an eye out on our website or join our Events newsletter to be the first to know.
There are so many ways to dive in and participate! You can grab a copy of the book (and support the author and SciFri), join the discussion in our online Book Club community, sign up for our email newsletter, or RSVP for our upcoming Book Club events. Check out all the details below.
Grab Your Own Copy
If you’d like to purchase a physical copy, we encourage you to start local! Check out the SciFri Book Club partner bookstores and libraries—if you’re in the area, consider supporting your local bookseller or public library (plus, mention our Book Club for a percentage off your purchase at participating shops!).
If they don’t have the book in stock or you’d rather purchase online, you can support Science Friday by buying your copy on our Bookshop.org page.
Want more ways to read? This book is available in a few formats via online retailers, your local library, or elsewhere:
Your local library may not currently have The Invention of Nature in its catalog, but many branches offer ways for patrons like you to submit book suggestions to librarians. Look for ways to suggest new titles via the Libby or OverDrive app, a form submission on your library’s website, or a suggestion box at your local branch!
Save The Date: SciFri Book Club Events
The Invention of Nature: Livestream and Q&A with Andrea Wulf
Who has a Brazilian river, Mexican mountain, glacier in Greenland, and crater on the Moon named after him—although today, he’s largely forgotten? Meet globe-trekking explorer, scientist, and environmentalist Alexander von Humboldt. Join us for a conversation with author Andrea Wulf, a quest to put Humboldt back in the spotlight.
Join us online for a livestream on the science topics featured in the SciFri Book Club pick for August 2024. Come with your queries and wonderings—we’ll be taking your questions in the livestream comments!
SciFri Book Club August community meeting: The Invention of Nature
Want to meet other SciFri Book Club members, talk about the book selection, and find more resources for deeper learning—all without leaving your home? Our community meeting is the place for you!
This discussion meeting will focus on themes and topics featured in The Invention of Nature. You’re welcome to join us no matter your reading progress—come chat with other science-interested folks about biology, ecology, botany, conservation, science history and more.
Join Our Community Space
And as you start reading, join us on our online community space: the SciFri Book Club is on Mighty Networks, a platform where we can gather, read and discuss science books together. We’ve built this community space to create a better way for readers to stay connected with other Book Clubbers, and we hope you’ll join us there!
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Subscribe to SciFri Book Club emails to stay updated on our monthly read sand join us for community discussions. We’ll send emails a few times per week.