A vibrant graphic adaptation of the classic science memoir
Regarded as one of the world’s preeminent biologists, Edward O. Wilson spent his boyhood exploring the forests and swamps of south Alabama and the Florida panhandle, collecting snakes, butterflies, and ants—the latter to become his lifelong specialty. His memoir Naturalist, called “one of the finest scientific memoirs ever written” by the Los Angeles Times, is an inspiring account of Wilson’s growth as a scientist and the evolution of the fields he helped define. This graphic edition, adapted by Jim Ottaviani and illustrated by C.M.Butzer, brings Wilson’s childhood and celebrated career to life through dynamic full-color illustrations and Wilson’s own lyric writing.
In this adaptation of Naturalist, vivid illustrations draw readers in to Wilson’s lifelong quest to explore and protect the natural world. His success began not with an elite education but an insatiable curiosity about Earth’s wild creatures, and this new edition of Naturalist makes Wilson’s work accessible for anyone who shares his passion. On every page, striking art adds immediacy and highlights the warmth and sense of humor that sets Wilson’s writing apart.
Naturalist was written as an invitation—a reminder that curiosity is vital and scientific exploration is open to all of us. Each dynamic frame of this graphic adaptation deepens Wilson’s message, renewing his call to discover and celebrate the little things of the world.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Edward O. Wilson is the author of more than thirty books, including Anthill, a novel, and The Meaning of Human Existence, a finalist for the National Book Award. The winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, Wilson is a professor emeritus at Harvard University and lives with his wife, Irene, in Lexington, Massachusetts.
PRAISE FOR NATURALIST (A GRAPHIC ADAPTATION)
“Ottaviani (Hawking) skillfully adapts Wilson’s spirited 1994 memoir into a graphic narrative full of personality, but without skimping on the science….This hearty graphic memoir is poised to inspire a new generation of naturalists.”—Publishers Weekly
“E.O. Wilson comes off looking like the super hero that he truly is. I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages who want to learn a lot about conservation and commitment….Get this book! Everyone in your house will be curious to look through it and will surely appreciate its presence on the coffee table.”—E-Magazine
“[A] wonderful graphic adaptation of biologist EO Wilson’s memoirs. It’s touching and enlightening and leaves you feeling excited about the natural world.”—Five Books
“Ottaviani’s adaptation is astonishingly detailed…Butzer’s illustrations are charming… Wilson’s life is undoubtedly a rich and fascinating one.”
“A convincing, and compelling, version of Naturalist…this version is readable and approachable, and was well worth doing.”—New Welsh Review
PRESS COVERAGE
“Graphic Novel Version of Classic Science Memoir Aims for New Audiences.”Mongabay, November 13, 2020
ABOUT THE BOOK
TITLE: Naturalist: A Graphic Adaptation
AUTHOR: E.O. Wilson, Jim Ottaviani, C.M. Butzer (Illustrator)
PUBLICATION DATE: November 10, 2020
PAGES: 224 pages
PRICE: $28.00
ISBN: 978-1610919586
