Alison Bashford Book order

Two hundred years of modern science and culture unfold through one family's history. In his early twenties, Thomas Henry Huxley, plagued by poverty and depression while stranded on the HMS Rattlesnake, was infatuated with Henrietta Heathorn. Together, they returned to London and established a remarkable intellectual and scientific dynasty. The Huxley family, spanning four generations, significantly influenced our self-perception. They excelled in various fields, including science, literature, mysticism, filmmaking, and education, with a focus on evolution at both grand and personal levels. Their contributions shaped major institutions such as the Natural History Museum, Imperial College, the London Zoo, UNESCO, and the World Wildlife Fund, fundamentally altering our understanding of ourselves as individuals and as a species among many. Yet, their most intriguing subject was their own family story. Alison Bashford's engaging narrative intertwines the Huxleys' public achievements with their private lives, creating a rich tapestry that reflects humanity's struggle to understand its place in nature. This work reveals the profound impact of a small, unique group of men and women driven by curiosity and passion, highlighting both the triumphs and challenges they faced.

This biography explores the lives of T.H. Huxley, known as "Darwin's Bulldog," and his grandson Julian Huxley, a prominent scientist and conservationist. Both men grappled with depression and contemplated its implications on genetic inheritance. They played pivotal roles in communicating the theory of evolution by natural selection. The author, historian Alison Bashford, intertwines their narratives, portraying them as a single intellectual entity whose lives spanned significant historical shifts—from the age of sail to the Space Age and through various wars. The Huxleys tackled profound questions, making them ideal figures for exploring the evolution of thought: What is the nature of time and the Earth's age? How do human and natural histories connect? In what ways are humans both animals and distinct from them? What are the implications of our deep past and distant future? Should we strive to enhance future generations? What will our planet look like in 10,000 years? This compelling biography delves into the challenges and marvels of the modern world that the Huxleys engaged with throughout their lives, reflecting on the evolution of ideas and humanity itself.