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James Hutton
£12.99
Discover the brilliant mind behind modern geology—a visionary ahead of his time
The life and legacy of Scotland's pioneering natural philosopher
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About the Ebook
Discover one of the Scottish Enlightenment's brightest stars.Among the giants of the Scottish Enlightenment, the name of James Hutton is overlooked. Yet his Theory of the Earth revolutionised the way we think about how our planet was formed and laid the foundation for the science of geology. He was in his time a doctor, a farmer, a businessman, a chemist yet he described himself as a philosopher – a seeker after truth.
A friend of James Watt and of Adam Smith, he was a polymath, publishing papers on subjects as diverse as why it rains and a theory of language. He shunned status and official position, refused to give up his strong Scots accent and vulgar speech, loved jokes and could start a party in an empty room.Yet much of his story remains a mystery. His papers, library and mineral collection all vanished after his death and only a handful of letters survive. He seemed to be a lifelong bachelor, yet had a secret son whom he supported throughout his life.This book uses new sources and original documents to bring Hutton the man to life and places him firmly among the geniuses of his time.
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- Learn how James Hutton revolutionised our understanding of Earth's age and formation
- Explore the intellectual journey that founded modern geology
- Understand how one Scots scientist transformed science forever
- Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher
'It is hard to see how Ray Perman's excellent biography is ever likely to be supplanted as the definitive account of Hutton's life and ideas' Undiscovered Scotland
'This engaging biography offers a rich and sympathetic account of one of the most important intellectual stars of the Enlightenment' The Scotsman
'Perman provides a welcome addition to the First Geologist bookshelf — helps us to appreciate Hutton and the scientific fuse he lit' Times Literary Supplement
'Thought-provoking, easy-to-digest, and peppered with tales that could form the basis of a binge-worthy TV drama' Scottish Field
About the Author
Ray Perman, a writer and journalist for 30 years, was chair of the James Hutton Institute and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, of which Hutton was a founder member. His books include Hubris: How HBOS Wrecked the Best Bank in Britain, The Rise and Fall of the City of Money and The Man Who Gave Away His Island.
Publication Details
Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
Publication Date: 01 September 2022
Print Length: 304 pages (Ebook edition)
ISBN (Ebook): 9781788855242
Format: Ebook
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