Name: The Natural History of Selborne
Author: Gilbert White
ISBN: 9780192829283

The Natural History of Selborne

Gilbert White

As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Author Description

The Natural History of Selborne (1789) is the distillation of a lifetime of observing nature, and ranges far beyond White's immediate neighborhood noted in the title. Written during a turbulent time in world history, it is a celebration of the endeavors of both human beings and animals to survive. White's main aims were to induce readers to pay more attention to the wonders around them, and to advance their knowledge of the variety of life: his success has made this book a classic, and has made his name one of the most revered among British naturalists.

Menrva's Summary

THE THESIS

How does the meticulous observation of a singular, local environment contribute to a broader understanding of the natural world? Gilbert White, an 18th-century English clergyman and naturalist, utilizes his lifelong residency in the village of Selborne to document the seasonal behaviors, migration patterns, and biological diversity of his surroundings. His work argues that sustained, localized observation is the foundation of scientific inquiry and a necessary practice for appreciating the complexity of life.

THE SCOPE MAP

What You Will Find

Detailed observations of avian migration and nesting habits
Records of local flora and fauna seasonal changes
Epistolary format documenting correspondence with fellow naturalists
Observations on the intersection of human activity and local wildlife

Scope Limits

The text does not provide a comprehensive global biological survey
It lacks modern taxonomic classification systems developed after the 18th century

THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text in the field of natural history and a precursor to modern ecological writing. Readers frequently note the accessible, observational prose style that remains relevant for its detailed documentation of 18th-century English rural life.

Page Count:
352

Publication Date:
1994-01-06

Publisher:
Oxford University Press

ISBN-10:
0192829289

ISBN-13:
9780192829283

Nature

Science

Non-Fiction

Natural History

Essays

British literature

Natural history