Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) is the great lost scientist: more things are named after him
than anyone else including towns rivers mountain ranges a penguin a giant squid - even the
Mare Humboldtianum on the moon. His colourful adventures read like something from Boy's Own:
Humboldt explored deep into the rainforest climbed the world's highest volcanoes and inspired
princes and presidents scientists and poets. Taking us on a fantastic voyage in his footsteps
Andrea Wulf shows why his life and ideas remain so important today.
