A Great Discovery!
WOW! The research is deep and accurate, the story fascinating, as a new page in women’s history is written. The author has managed skillfully to make sense of very scant (what else) information about the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Women’s Studies groups and sailing fans as well, will enjoy this one immensely. This will soon be on our social history book group’s list.
Rated of 5
by Teresa R. (Fort Collins, CO)
A skillfully told tale
Academic historian Glynis Ridley did formidable research on the state of scientific inquiry and social class in 18th century France for this book. Yet her account of the overlooked heroism and privations suffered by Jeanne Baret is laid out in a lively and readable narrative—by turns fascinating and appalling. Meticulously citing historical records, Ridley bears witness to Baret's courage and accomplishment despite years of brutish living conditions and physical and psychological assaults, not to mention the loutish behavior she bore from her lover, Philibert Commerson, the botanist whose career she helped advance and for whom she embarked on the round-the-world voyage.
Reading this book in the comfort of an easy chair brings awareness of the ease and privileges enjoyed by Western women of today. In solidarity with Ms. Baret, one should consider reading the book in low candlelight, perched on one’s haunches in a bare, drafty room. Either way it’s compelling and engrossing non-fiction.
Rated of 5
by Ginger K. (Ballwin, MO)
For the sake of knowledge
Well researched and downright fun describes "The Discovery of Jeanne Baret". The book is a treat for anyone interested in plants and animals as we circumvent the globe with this indomitable heroine and company. A stowaway posing as a young male on the ship she suffers hardships and perils described by the author in sometimes agonizing detail..................such was her devotion to discovering new plant life. This is realism and history shown through a personal story at its best.
Rated of 5
by Susan S. (Middlebury, Connecticut)
The Discovery of Jeanne Baret
This was a well researched and well presented account of the events surrounding the controversial life of Jeanne Baret. It is unfortunate that there are few sources of information regarding her life, making this book more of an account of the life of her "mentor" Commerson and his exploits, with snippets of information relating to Baret making an appearance at intervals. The account read well though, the story of the circumnavigation and botanical exploits are very interesting, but left this reader hungry for more of Jeanne Baret. She must have been a remarkable woman.
Rated of 5
by Diane S. (Batavia, IL)
The Discovery of Jeanne Baret
I have to admit when I first started this book it reminded me of reading a college thesis, but the more I read the more interesting it became. I really enjoyed reading all the background material on Paris and the trivia on tea as well as the fascinating study of herbal medicine. Would like to have known more about Baret but the author explained that there is not a lot of her to be found in the reports send back by the others on the expedition. She was, however, by all accounts a remarkable woman and deserved more than she received by her mentor and lover Commerson. This book will appeal to those interested in botany, expeditions and strong woman historical figures.
Rated of 5
by Daniel A. (Naugatuck, CT)
The discovery of Jeanne Beret
This is a pretty good biography, and I learned many things by reading it. I never knew that the nursery rhyme "Peter Piper" was about a real person until I read this book. The author did some extensive research in writing this and it is filled with information about 18th Century France, and mainly the expedition led by Lewis de Bougainville. I recommend this story to history buffs, and anyone studying botany.
Rated of 5
by Harriette K. (Weston, FL)
The discovery of Jeanne Baret
We are treated to the story of Jeanne Baret, a truly gifted herb woman, who assists a noted French botanist while gathering and naming plants during a round-the world trip during the mid 1700's. We are aware of the competition between nations and the deprivations suffered on the tiny ships that take these people on their voyage. I read the story eagerly and was saddened at the lack of knowledge of Jeanne's efforts. So much is supposed. My one complaint is some of the author's repetition. Other than that, I truly enjoyed reading about this remarkable woman.
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Its board approved the...
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of 5
by Lesley F. (San Diego, CA)
of 5
by Susan S. (Middlebury, Connecticut)
