Chrysalis: Maria Sibylla Merian and the Secrets of Metamorphosis

The first half of the book is an interesting, rich read of Merian's life. Second half is more about the insects she discovered.

This turned aout to be a lot more interesting than I tought it was going to be. I was interested in reading about her time as a Labadist because I have people in my family who were also Labadists.There were some good things about this book.1) Kudos to the author. I would like to know how she found her info and details, but she did a great job of opening that world view up to the reader.2) I was amazed by the belief about where animals, and insects came from. It really made me appreciate how difficult it must have been to be a scientist at that period in time and a woman too. I really got to see how superstition prevailed in the Middle Ages and how ignorant we were as a species of life itself.I am not good about writing long product reviews but this book is a keeper for me. I'm glad I found it.

Learned a lotThe author does a wonderful job I’m describing a person I had not known about and the contributions she made. Very important knowledge

My further education and fascination with biology, botany, and eighteen century largely unsung women heros!

Apparently not enough historical data survives to write a thorough biography of this remarkable 18th naturalist . The author has filled her pages with general historical information and "what if" surmises. Okay for a person with little knowledge of the period but not okay for a person seeking biographical data.

First of all, I love the work of Maria Sibylla Merian. I also love the Mottahedeh tableware pattern inspired by her work and called "Merian". So far, this book is a delight to read and the author truly has a gift with words. I received this very soon after placing my order and the book arrived in even better condition than described.

Another hidden female figure of science uncovered. I wish I had read about Merian as a girl and had her alongside Jane Goodall as a role model. Unconventional women making strides in field research and consequentially changing our understanding of the natural world.

History, art, botany, biography...this book has all of these as well as a great story.

Very well researched. Excellent biography of the life & work of MSM, set fully in the context of European life at the time & the research of others.

an inspiring book ,a joy to read.

Delighted with this rather obscure book. A fascinating true tale. Book arrived in immaculate condition. Great value for money.

Many thanks for a lovely product and a pleasant transaction.

Loving this book... easy to read and telling a story I had never heard of.