Reseña

The link between Alexander von Humboldt and the Americas is quite strong. Although, he spent less than five years on American soil, his expedition left an indelible mark on his life and work, as well as on the understanding of the continent’s history, nature and potential. Humboldt’s travels, experiences and knowledge changed the way the American continent was described, understood and incorporated into global trade, politics, science, art and history. His observations, ideas and methods had great impact on the work of subsequent explorers, social and natural scientists and even poets.
In this book, the reader will find a collection of stimulating essays that shed light on issues concerning Humboldt. They explore the development of his methods and ideas while traveling through the Americas and afterwards, his connections to and relations with local actors and local knowledge, his exchange of information with other scientists worldwide, the endurance of his ideas and methods, his contribution to the preservation of historical documents and knowledge, and even the political consequences of specific material collected and shared by him, either personally or through the press. This book brings new perspectives and layers of meaning to the understanding of Humboldt’s impact and legacy in the Americas.