Book review: ‘A Year with Gilbert White’ by Jenny Uglow

In this lively, well-illustrated book, Jenny Uglow traces a year in the life of the revered eighteenth-century country curate and naturalist Gilbert White, whose classic The Natural History of Selborne has never been out of print.

Uglow’s book is a pleasing mix of biography and nature writing. Sensibly, she doesn’t limit herself only to events in White’s life from her chosen year, 1781, allowing herself to travel back or forward in time to describe key events in the particular month in question, be they observations of the natural world, or events involving White’s extended family and social network.

Charles Darwin, was inspired by White in his youth, recalling in his autobiography:

From reading White’s Selborne, I took much pleasure in watching the habits of birds, and even made notes on the subject. In my simplicity I remember wondering why every gentleman did not become an ornithologist.

White’s Selborne deservedly remains a classic of English literature. Uglow’s book provides useful insights into this fascinating gentleman.

Recommended.