Thomas Pennant (1726-98) is remembered for his work in bringing natural history to popular attention and for his engaging travel writing. With a number of fine engravings, this work, first published in 1771 and reissued here in its second edition of 1772, is typical of Pennant's output. More than a mere travelogue, it recounts his tour - via Tayside, Inverness, Wick and Fort William - of the Scottish Highlands, then largely unknown to outsiders but of notable interest to students of natural history. The volume is of particular significance for its meticulous descriptions of significant…mehr
Thomas Pennant (1726-98) is remembered for his work in bringing natural history to popular attention and for his engaging travel writing. With a number of fine engravings, this work, first published in 1771 and reissued here in its second edition of 1772, is typical of Pennant's output. More than a mere travelogue, it recounts his tour - via Tayside, Inverness, Wick and Fort William - of the Scottish Highlands, then largely unknown to outsiders but of notable interest to students of natural history. The volume is of particular significance for its meticulous descriptions of significant locations, buildings and wildlife, revealing Pennant's thorough mind and tireless capacity for observation, and also for its methodology: Pennant drew on local knowledge gathered by circulating queries in advance (these are included as an appendix). Several of Pennant's other works, including his Tour in Wales, are also reissued in the Cambridge Library Collection.
Thomas Pennant (1726 - 1798) was born in Donning Hall, near Whitford, Flintshire, in North Wales. He was educated in Queen's College and in Oriel College, Oxford. A naturalist, travel writer, and antiquarian, he wrote numerous books on these subjects, which earned him praise for his powers of observation and shedding light into relatively obscure locations. Thanks to a wide circle of friends, correspondents, and field observers, he was adept at compiling other people's observations and ideas, and producing very readable travel guides. Samuel Johnson, who was influenced by his writings, praised him as 'the best traveller I have ever read'. Pennant was a member of the Royal Society, the Royal Society of Antiquaries, and the Royal Swedish Society of Sciences; he has over twenty species named after him.
Inhaltsangabe
Dedication A tour in Scotland Appendix Itinerary Index.
