Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker by Ray Desmond
As Heard on The Daily Gardener Podcast:
Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker by Ray Desmond
This book came out late in 2007, and the subtitle is Traveller and Plant Collector.
Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker's life was a thrilling adventure: a daring explorer, a visionary scientist, and a close confidant to Charles Darwin.
From the icy wastes of Antarctica to the towering peaks of the Himalayas, Hooker's botanical expeditions were legendary. He braved treacherous seas, encountered exotic cultures, and discovered countless new plant species. This book shares many of the secrets behind his daring voyages, groundbreaking theories,
He nearly drowned in the Antarctic Ocean during his first major expedition on Sir James Clark Ross' epic voyage to Antarctica in 1839-43.
During his trip to the Himalayas, he was imprisoned by the Rajah of Sikkim. He remarked after seeing the Rheum nobile in bloom:
It is the most wonderful-looking plant in the whole of the Himalayas.
As Charles Darwin's closest friend, he learned of Darwin's theory of evolution long before it was made public. And Hooker was instrumental in getting Darwin's work published. Many regard Hooker as Darwin's PR man.
Here are a few fun factoids about Joseph Dalton Hooker.
His wife was named Hyacinth.
And Kew Gardens recently shared that, during his travels, Hooker would address letters to his young son to "my dear little Lion" or "my dear cub."
Joseph Dalton Hooker is remembered as a Victorian British botanist, explorer, President of the Royal Society, and director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
When he died at 94, he had accomplished a great deal. He established a network of botanic gardens around the world to facilitate discovery and classification, which enhanced the world's economy and promoted trade. In 1877, Hooker was knighted for scientific services to the British Empire, and he was awarded the Linnean Medal in 1888.
This captivating biography is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, science, and the natural world.
You can get a copy of Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker by Ray Desmond and support the show using the Amazon link in today's show notes for $16.
SI HORTUM IN HORTORIA PODCASTA IN BIBLIOTEHCA HABES, NIHIL DEERIT.
