Gilbert Clark's new book titled A Victorian Naturalist's Odyssey pays homage to Dr. John Henry Salter. This book is an outstanding memoir, passing on the wisdom of an endeared friend and a scholarly man and recognizing both his contribution to the scientific community and to bringing the Red Kite back from the brink of extinction in Wales.
John Henry Salter was the first Professor of Botany at the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth from 1899 to 1903, resigning because of his wife's ill health.
Over two decades later, he devoted himself to the field of natural history and the exploration of the Ceredigion countryside. It was then that Clark, a grammar-school boy, befriended the somewhat introverted naturalist. From 1933 to 1941, he accompanied Dr. Salter on many walks, making himself useful by exploring for nests and plants where the scientist could no longer venture, and listening for birds that he could no longer hear. Clark learned many vital lessons in life, and the walks continued regularly until the author joined the armed forces in 1941.
This book is a testimony to the life and work of the late professor, who was a Quaker, a vegetarian, a teetotaler, a non-smoker, and a man of few words. What strikingly differentiates this memoir from others is the way Clark relates how what he learnt from Dr Salter surfaced and was useful in his later life, both in the Navy and in medicine. With great propinquity and humour, this volume recreates the thoughts of that great man.
An encomium of a pillar in the field of Botany and Ornithology, Clark's A Victorian Naturalist's Odyssey reveals and imparts the pearls of wisdom of the late Dr. John Henry Salter.
For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.XlibrisPublishing.co.uk.
About the Author
Dr. Gilbert Winston Clark was born in the village of Llanbadarn-Fawr, Cardiganshire in 1921. He was educated at the village school atop Primrose Hill, Ardwyn County School, and the University of Wales. Prior to his entry to the Welsh National School of Medicine, he was a Royal Navy Lieutenant (A) RNVR, Observer, in the Fleet Air Arm from 1941 to 1945.He was a GP in South Wales for 38years. He married, in 1951, Megan Llewellyn Jones, who died in 2010. He has two children and four grand-children.
A Victorian Naturalist's Odyssey * by Dr. Gilbert Clark
The Life and Times of Professor John Henry Salter DSc (London) 1862 - 1942
Publication Date: March 6, 2013
Picture Book; £27.99; 112 pages; 978-1-4797-7222-3
Picture Book Hardcover; £37.99; 112 pages; 978-1-4797-7223-0
Ebook; £3.99; 978-1-4797-7224-7
Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at +0800-644-6988. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at 44-203-006-8880 or call +0800-644-6988.
For more information, contact Xlibris at +0800-644-6988 or on the web at http://www.XlibrisPublishing.co.uk.
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