Measuring the World by Daniel Kehlmann - 4.5 stars (Subdue)

[Joy D]

Measuring the World by Daniel Kehlmann - 4.5* - My Review

Fictional rendering of two (real) German scientists, geographer Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) and mathematician Carl Freidrich Gauss (1777-1855). Each measures the world in his own way. Humboldt explores with his associate Aimé Bonpland, traveling to remote regions in South America to study and experience the natural world. He climbs what he believes to be the highest mountain, explores the Orinoco, and braves the Amazonian jungles. He is impulsive and passionate. Gauss, on the other hand, prefers to use his mathematical mind to generate theories without venturing far from his home. He is reserved and cautious.

The author does a great job of bringing these two eccentric men to life on the page, painting them as flawed but brilliant. He portrays the impact of notoriety and genius with humor and insight. The two men ultimately meet each other later in life, but the majority of the storyline relates their separate life experiences. I had previously read about von Humboldt in the non-fiction of David McCullough, and I tend to prefer von Humboldt’s adventurous exploits to the more cerebral Gauss. Nonetheless, the author’s elaboration of their two lives is a pleasure to read.

4.5