William Poole

The subject of this book is that many-faceted man,John Aubrey who lived in the years 1626 to 1697. Best known for his collection of lives which are now known by the title of 'Brief Lives'. He was however much more than just a writer and compiler of biographical snippets,informative and sometimes humorous as they were. He 'discovered ' and surveyed the great stone circles at Avebury in Wiltshire for one thing. He was a founder member of the Royal Society,a mathematician,botanist and a folklorist too. On a more personal level he was a generous friend who was willing to help just about anyone.
This book ties in with an exhibition of the same title which took place in Oxford last year. It can however be read independently with ease. It brings out several new insights into the life and work of this great polymath.
This is by the way beautifully produced,with a large number of illustrations and a select bibliography… (mehr)