{"title":"Brendan Atkins","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to our Brendan Atkins collection—where the wonders of the natural world come to life through narrative elegance. Renowned for his deeply insightful and evocative writing, Brendan Atkins is a celebrated author in the \u003cem\u003eBiography \u0026amp; Memoir\u003c\/em\u003e genre. Drawing readers into captivating tales of exploration and discovery, his works are a treasure trove for anyone interested in the intricacies and marvels of our environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAtkins' books, including the acclaimed \u003cem\u003eThe Naturalist\u003c\/em\u003e, offer a blend of meticulous research and vivid storytelling. They not only illuminate the life and work of those passionate about understanding nature but also inspire readers to reflect on the profound relationship between humans and their surroundings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection is perfect for readers who seek to explore the fascinating stories behind significant contributions to natural science, told through a blend of personal experience and historical context. Dive into Brendan Atkins' works to gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to its study.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-naturalist-by-brendan-atkins-9781742237756","title":"The Naturalist","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eShortlisted, 2023 NSW Premier's History Awards, NSW Community \u0026amp; Regional History Prize\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFor lovers of natural history, this is the first book to explore Allan Riverstone McCulloch's scientific genius, artistic talents and his crucial role in the development of the Australian Museum.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAllan Riverstone McCulloch (1885-1925) was a leading scientist and talented illustrator, the Australian Museum's most senior curator and its star exhibition designer. So why has history ignored his many contributions?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA free spirit and an expert on Australia's fish species, McCulloch was happiest collecting specimens on field trips to the Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe Island and beyond. He escaped office politics at the museum to accompany cinematographer Frank Hurley on an expedition to tropical Papua in 1922, but controversy erupted when officials accused them of stealing sacred artefacts. The trip also left McCulloch with dysentery and malaria, and his mental health declined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThe Naturalist\u003c\/i\u003e, Brendan Atkins explores McCulloch's scientific genius and artistic talents, and his crucial role in the development of the Australian Museum. It's a revealing and unflinching look at the remarkable life of a brilliant yet troubled scientist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'An artist, a pioneering biologist, and someone who helped make our cherished Australian Museum one of the greatest in the world. At last, his enthralling story is being told.' - Robyn Williams\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Brendan Atkins' book is a labour of love, a meticulously researched account of the life of Allan McCulloch, a senior and controversial figure at Sydney's Australian Museum and one of the world's leading ichthyologists or fish biologists. It chronicles his field work adventures across the Pacific and informs us about a myriad of topics along the way, from taxidermy and dioramas to the ongoing problem of museums and their often-plundered objects. McCulloch led a troubled life, something this book describes with honesty and insight. He was also an accomplished artist, studying under Julian Ashton; the remarkable sketches and paintings of species reproduced here indicate his complete dedication to his craft.' - Ken Gelder is co-author of \u003ci\u003eThe Colonial Kangaroo Hunt\u003c\/i\u003e (2020) and a Professor of English at the University of Melbourne\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A fascinating biography of a fascinating man; one who was a naturalist, adventurer, artist, and a genius who found his greatest struggle was to deal with his own demons.' - Louis Nowra\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A wonderful biography that takes us into the intricate and astonishing world of the natural history museum 100 years ago. Brendan Atkins recovers an important curator, the enigmatic and talented Allan McCulloch, with insight, humour and sensitivity. Along the way, he teases out distinctions between stealing and collecting, guilt and hubris, despair and genius.' - Cathy Perkins, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Shelf Life of Zora Cross\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'This fascinating story of a talented naturalist and his unravelling is also a portrait of the colonial madness of museums and collecting.' - Delia Falconer\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Atkins's biography of McCulloch does not shy away from the darker aspects of his subject but provides thoughtful and considered illumination of a complex life that contributed much to our understanding of Australia's fish, in particular, and the natural world of the Australasian region.' - \u003ci\u003eAustralian Book Review\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Quite the story.' - Cheryl Akle, Founder Of Better Reading, \u003ci\u003eThe Australian\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46846559191276,"sku":"9781742237756","price":98.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/8279243482808.jpg?v=1758912648"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/brendan-atkins.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}