The Passionate Observer

Jean-Henri Fabre was a naturalist in what I would consider one of the golden ages of natural history. In the late 1800's he was publishing papers on entomology that were not always well received by his peers, mostly for 1 reason alone. They were WONDERFULLY well-written.

His writing is very elegant, and Fabre has enlightening things to say. Not just about nature, but about his childhood, his schooling, and about mistakes made by other entomologists. Fabre does have a tendency to ramble a bit at times, and I won't say I didn't find the book rather dull at times, but just when you are beginning to lose interest he says something overwhelmingly enlightening that it makes you wonder how you managed to lose focus. He really is a brilliant show more man.

Also, the pages are decorated with vibrant watercolors by Marlene McLoughlin, which perfectly accompany Fabre's writing. It's a beautiful book. show less