I deem myself a very fortunate person to have bookshelves loaded with excitement, knowledge, erudition, exploration, and as one who basks in the sheer pleasure of owning books.
Two of my most treasured volumes are Ecology and Evolution of Darwin's Finches, the detailed account by Peter Grant of his fieldwork (and that of his wife, Rosemary) on Daphne, and Jonathan Weiner's Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Beak of the Finch, based on Grant's work there, aptly subtitled A Story of Evolution in Our Time.
I will leave it to you, therefore, to imagine the degree of delight that I experienced upon the arrival of Enchanted by Daphne, Peter Grant's personal story.
It seems to me that it is no accident that Grant subtitled the book The Life of an Evolutionary Naturalist, the key word being naturalist. Although Grant is a biologist of the highest rank, I am sure he views himself first and foremost as a naturalist, that wide-ranging lover of all of nature, in more of an ethological sense than within the narrow confines of statistical and mathematical biology.
The enforced isolation of COVID was the stimulus Grant needed to complete this autobiographical account of a life enriched by the landmark discovery that evolution can occur in a far narrower span than anyone ever considered possible. In fact, if not for COVID, the book would probably never have seen the light of day. Forty years of research on a tiny, rocky island in the Galápagos, not without difficulty, and even hardship, I can assure you, resulted in arguably the most significant evolutionary discovery since Charles Darwin first encountered the birds that have come to be known as Darwin's Finches, in that same isolated corner of the world.
Grant began life in a working class background in the UK, where his parents were divorced, unusual for the time, and inviting public opprobrium. His early family life was not entirely idyllic, yet events slowly propelled him towards a career in science. Early on, he was less than a brilliant scholar, giving hope to all of us! Along the way, he met his wife, Rosemary, and the two became lifelong companions in every way, personally, parentally and professionally, and one senses that if a perfect marriage exists, the Grants achieved it.
The couple lived in both Canada and the United States, finally ending their careers in Princeton, NJ. By now they were the focus of international acclaim, giving keynote addresses and teaching at universities and scientific institutions all over the world. Honour after honour was bestowed upon them; in reality they became the rock stars of the academic world. As they travelled to fulfill speaking engagements they were able to tack on personal time to explore museums, attend concerts, do recreational birding and reflect on a life well lived.
Throughout it all, based on my take on the book, Peter Grant remains what he has always been, a quintessential English gentleman. Yet at the same time he is a brilliant, incisive scientist, with determination and skills that few of us could dream of, reinforced by a wife of equal ability and mental toughness, with commitment to the same goals. They have proven beyond a doubt that long term studies will always yield the best results.
In an era when public adulation is reserved for people who can hit a ball with a stick well, or throw a pigskin farther, it is encouraging to see scientists receive their due. It is they who can explain the world to us, it is they who can make changes to it, and we are in their debt.
Thank you, Dr. Grant, for your dedication, commitment, belief in science, willingness to endure hardship, and for your humanity. It may be a very long time before we see your like again.
Enchanted by Daphne: The Life of an Evolutionary Naturalist - Princeton University Press
Peter R. Grant
Hardcover - US$35.00 - ISBN: 9780691246246
360 pages - 6.125 x 9.25 inches (15.31 x 23.125 cm)
50 black-and-white illustrations
Publication Date: 23 May, 2023
A wonderful tribute to Peter Grant! Hugs, Valerie xxxx
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this is a wonderful and interesting book, David. I have read about Darwin's Finches for many years ago, and I have a very thick book at home about Darwin. It's about his personal life, and about all he discovered in the Galapagos. Hugs and kisses, Marit
ReplyDeleteIf ever this book is translated, Marit, you would enjoy it immensely. Hugs and kisses - David
Delete...people's obsession with popular culture drives me crazy.
ReplyDeleteMe too, especially the obscene salaries these people are paid.
DeleteSounds like an amazing man and book.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to meet him, Bill, it would be one of the thrills of my life.
DeleteHow I wish that scientists were more celebrated. And naturalists even more so. Thank you for reviewing this book.
ReplyDeleteHappy for you to add this to your collection. I can tell by the photo of him on the cover he is a man of the outdoors. The world needs more naturalists for sure
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while to work out that Daphne was an island in the Galápagos Archipelago, David, and not a flower or other living organism, or even my Canadian Aunt who goes by that name!
ReplyDeleteProbably not a book for me, but your review made interesting reading and broadened my knowledge. Thank you.
Best wishes - - - Richard
Querido David que gran mención le haces y estoy segura de que el libro es fabuloso y a tener en cuenta. Muchas gracias. Abrazos y besos para ti y para Miriam.
ReplyDeleteQuite a life lived.
ReplyDeleteA really lovely write up about the book David, I bet he and his wife did so much good and probably still do.
ReplyDeleteHe sounds a fascinating character.
ReplyDeleteKsiążka była owocem pasji, nauki, Covid-a i więzi, jaka łączy go z żoną. Wiele ciekawych rzeczy w ostatnich latach z tego powodu powstało :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this is a wonderful and interesting book, David.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tribute to Peter Grant.
Greetings Irma
This sounds like a fascinating book, David. I hope Peter Grant has the opportunity to read your review. He sounds like a remarkable man whose contributions were significant -- and what an interesting life.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure whether PUP routinely sends the reviews to the authors, but sometimes I do get contacted by them.
DeleteI can now let you know, Jeanie, that I received a lovely note from Peter Grant - much cherished.
DeleteA mí también me habría encantado estar en esa isla investigando. Como siempre te digo me gustaría tener ese libro. Abrazos amigo David.
ReplyDeleteEsos libros es una buena de aumentar tus buenos conocimientos y eso te ayuda a la hora de observar la Naturaleza.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.
Peter and Rosemary Grant are quite an amazing couple and while this book admittedly isn't on my reading radar, I was interested in finding out more about the Grants, both Fellows of the Royal Society. As a NJ native, I was honored to read that Peter Grant holds the position of Professor Emeritus at Princeton University.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fine autobiography, Beatrice. I am quite sure you would enjoy it.
DeleteMr Grant sounds like an extraordinary naturalist!........Abrazotes, Marcela
ReplyDeleteOne of a kind!
DeleteNow I don't know Peter Grant. I have heard of the Beak of the Finch, but I haven't ever read it. But I'm curious. Happy mid-week. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteYou would enjoy learning about Peter and Rosemary Grant, both amazing biologists and wonderful, principled people.
DeleteInteresting. I’m glad he found the time to read the book.
ReplyDeleteI am assuming you mean "to write the book."
DeleteHe sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteI hope he gets a chance to read your review.
Estimado amigo David, gran reseña para un gran naturalista como lo es Peter Grant, no cabe la menor duda que ha de ser un libro sumamente interesante y muy didáctico.
ReplyDeleteUn gran abrazo querido amigo y compadre David.
A life in a book.
ReplyDeletePS
The protest was against the voting of a law regarding children.
Sounds fantastic. You do have a way with words yourself David.
ReplyDeleteIt always fills me with great pleasure to visit you, dear David, and to read your interesting articles and to feel the love for nature.
ReplyDeleteNow that the rapeseed is blooming with its wonderful yellow, the trees and plants are in a delicate green and the birds are singing in the most unbelievable variations - forest concert hall - being outside is particularly beautiful... a delight... like skiing in powder snow :-)))
Thank you for your book recommendation... maybe the book will be translated. But I researched on Wikipedia. Great research, Rosmary and Peter Grant. Both were born in England in 1936 and met at the University of British Colombia. One can guess with joy what a fulfilling life they have :-)))
Greet... many beauties to you.
I am impressed, and gratified, that you took the trouble to learn more about the Grants, Viola. Kudo to you.
DeleteWhat a fascinating read. I had never heard of Peter Grant or his wife before I read your review. This is quite impressive. Long term studies reveal the best results. As a statistician myself, I am appalled when some studies try to turn correlations into causation.
ReplyDeleteAs you well know, statistics can be, and often are, manipulated to support specific viewpoints or desired conclusions.
DeleteOur unsung heroes. Thank you very much for introducing us to such an amazing individual.
ReplyDeleteI don't think he is "unsung", Denise. He has been vey well serenaded!
DeleteEs una pena que hoy día tengan más reconocimientos gentes mediocres que personas involucradas en la ciencia. Pero es así amigo. Gran reseña dejas .Gracias.
ReplyDeleteBuen fin de semana.
Un abrazo.