Ernst Haeckel – XXL

Ernst Haeckel(1834-1919) was a German-born biologist, naturalist, evolutionist, artist, philosopher, and doctor who spent his life researching flora and fauna from the highest mountaintops to the deepest ocean. A vociferous supporter and developer of Darwins theories of evolution, he denounced religious dogma, authored philosophical treatises, gained a doctorate in zoology, and coined scientific terms which have passed into common usage, including ecology, phylum, and stem cell.

At the heart of Haeckelscolossal legacywas the motivation not only to discover but also to explain. To do this, he createdhundreds of detailed drawings, watercolors, and sketchesof his findings which he published in successive volumes, including several marine organism collections and the majesticKunstformen der Natur(Art Forms in Nature), which could serve as the cornerstone of Haeckels entire life project. Likea meticulous visual encyclopedia of living things, Haeckels work was as remarkable for its graphic precision and meticulous shading as for its understanding of organic evolution. From bats to the box jellyfish, lizards to lichen, and spider legs to sea anemones, Haeckelemphasized the essential symmetries and order of nature,and found biological beauty in even the most unlikely of creatures.

In this book, we celebrate thescientific, artistic, and environmental importanceof Haeckels work, with a collection of450 of his finest printsfrom several of his most important tomes, includingDie Radiolarien,Monographie der Medusen,Die Kalkschwmme, andKunstformen der Natur. At a time when biodiversity is increasingly threatened by human activities, the book is at oncea visual masterwork, an underwater exploration, and avivid reminder of the precious variety of life.

Edition: Multilingual (Text in English, French, and German)