Danielle Clode

A beautifully researched, beautifully written biography of Jeanne Barret, the first woman to sail around the world. Barret was born to peasant stock in France, became the servant and then the assistant to botanist Philibert Commerson and who shipped with him, dressed as a man, on Bougainville's scientific expedition in 1766. Clode goes back to archival sources from across the world, and avoids unfounded speculation about Barret's life (a major annoyance in an earlier biography of the same show more subject). She also brings in her personal experiences as a researcher and as a young woman voyaging on the family yacht Calif, however these discursions illuminate rather than dominate the story of Jeanne Barret. I loved this humble and illuminating book, with its insistance that there is more to be found lying undiscovered in the archives, and its lyrical descriptions of France and the Pacific. show less

In this fascinating, easily readable microhistory, biologist Danielle Clode takes us through the anatomy, physiology, behavior (including some myth-busting), history and current concerns of Australia's arguably most adorable creature, the koala. I squeed just imagining living in a place where koalas are seen roaming the neighborhood like squirrels or raccoons. Great for fans of natural history and marsupials.

I enjoy biographies when the author also gives their insights into the research done and other personal asides. Including lots of photos and plant sketches together with some of Coleman's writing also helped the reader to understand more bout Edith - from Blackburn, Melbourne.

Great research and compilation into a book. Scant historical records are interspersed with her own stories - all a very enjoyable read 😃😃