Collecting the World: The Life and Curiosity of Hans Sloane

Hans Sloane was a physician who made his fortune in London and traveled to Jamaica to survey its natural history. He assembled an astonishing collection of specimens, artifacts, and oddities, which became the nucleus of the British Museum. This is the first biography of Sloane in over sixty years and the first based on his surviving collections.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2018
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Hans Sloane, a remarkable collector of his time and one of the greatest of all, has largely faded from public memory despite his enduring impact on the world. Born in the north of Ireland, Sloane's journey to fame began as a physician to London's affluent elite. In 1687, he embarked on a remarkable expedition to Jamaica, at the time the epicenter of Britain's commercial empire. His mission was to survey the island's natural history, and he subsequently established a network of correspondents who sent him intriguing curiosities from across the globe.

Over time, Sloane's dedication and expertise in natural history earned him a prominent position among the eighteenth-century naturalists. He amassed an extraordinary collection of specimens, artifacts, and oddities, known as the most famous curiosity cabinet of the age. Unfortunately, shortly after his passing, his vast collection was acquired by the nation, fulfilling his lifelong dream. It became the foundation of the world's first national public museum, the British Museum.

This captivating biography, written after a sixty-year hiatus, is the first to be based on Sloane's surviving collections. It sheds light on the intertwined nature of early modern science and collecting, revealing how they were global endeavors deeply intertwined with empire and slavery. Despite these complexities, Sloane's legacy remains a testament to the power of human curiosity and the creation of one of the great public institutions of the Enlightenment.

Collecting the World: The Life and Legacy of Hans Sloane delves into this pivotal period in the emergence of modern knowledge, reintroducing the iconic figure of Hans Sloane to the public eye. Through meticulous research and a wealth of primary sources, the book explores Sloane's remarkable journey, his collecting practices, and the lasting impact his collections have had on the world of science and culture.

In conclusion, Hans Sloane's story is a testament to the power of human curiosity, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge. His remarkable collection, acquired by the nation and transformed into the British Museum, remains a cornerstone of modern science and culture. This captivating biography, written after a sixty-year hiatus, sheds new light on the life and achievements of this extraordinary collector, reminding us of the enduring legacy he has left behind.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 188 x 176 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780718194437