Title
The Lost World of James Smithson: Science, Revolution, and the Birth of the Smithsonian,Used
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In 1836 the United States government received a strange and unprecedented gifta halfmillion dollar bequest to establish a foundation in Washington 'for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.' The Smithsonian Institution, as it would be called, eventually grew into the largest museum and research complex in the world. Yet the man behind what became 'America's attic,' James Smithson, has remained a shadowy figure for more than 150 years.Drawing on unpublished diaries and letters from across Europe and the United States, historian Heather Ewing tells his compelling story in full. The illegitimate son of the Duke of Northumberland, Smithson was the youngest member of Britain's Royal Society and a talented chemist admired by the greatest scientists of his age. At the same time, however, he was also a suspected spy, an inveterate gambler, and a radical revolutionary during the turbulent years of the Napoleonic Wars. But at the heart of Smithson's story is his bequestworth $9 million in today in today's currencywhich sparked an international lawsuit and a decadelong congressional battle, featuring a dizzying cast of historical figures, including John Quincy Adams, and Alexander Graham Bell, both of whom grappled with howand even whetherto put Smithson's endowment to use.Fascinating and magisterial, Ewing's biography presents a sweeping portrait of a remarkable man at the center of the English Enlightenment and the creation of America's greatest museum.
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- Q: What is 'The Lost World of James Smithson' about? A: The book explores the life of James Smithson, the founder of the Smithsonian Institution, detailing his background, his bequest, and the historical context surrounding it.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Heather Ewing, a historian known for her research and writings on James Smithson and the Smithsonian.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is bound in hardcover, providing durability and a classic presentation.
- Q: When was 'The Lost World of James Smithson' published? A: The book was published on April 3, 2007.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains a total of 432 pages.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The dimensions of the book are 5 inches by 10 inches.
- Q: Is this book suitable for research purposes? A: Yes, the book includes unpublished diaries and letters, making it a valuable resource for research on James Smithson and the Smithsonian Institution.
- Q: What makes this biography of James Smithson unique? A: This biography is unique because it draws on a wealth of unpublished material and provides a comprehensive view of Smithson's life and the historical impact of his bequest.
- Q: Is 'The Lost World of James Smithson' a first edition? A: Yes, this book is noted as a first edition.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The book is in new condition.