Darwin's Mentor: John Stevens Henslow, 1796–1861

John Stevens Henslow is known for his formative influence on Charles Darwin, who described their meeting as the one circumstance 'which influenced my career more than any other'. As Professor of Botany at Cambridge University, Henslow was Darwin's teacher and eventual lifelong friend, but what of the man himself? In this biography, much previously unpublished material has been carefully sifted and selected to produce a rounded picture of a remarkable and unusually likeable academic. The time in 1829–31 when Darwin 'walked with Henslow' in and around Cambridge was followed directly by Darwin's voyage around the world. The gradually changing relationship between teacher and pupil over the course of time is revealed through their correspondence, illuminating a remarkable friendship which persisted, in spite of Darwin's eventual atheism and Henslow's never-failing liberal Christian belief, to the end of Henslow's life.

Table of Contents:
Foreword P. Bateson; Preface; Acknowledgements; List of figures; List of colour plates; Part I. Origins: 1. Family background: growing up in Kent and London; Part II. Cambridge: 2. The young Henslow at Cambridge; 3. Henslow: men who influenced him at Cambridge; 4. Harriet; 5. The young Professor; 6. Educating Charles Darwin and others; 7. The middle years: politics, policing and publication; 8. The Botanic Garden: old and new; 9. A liberal churchman; Part III. Hitcham: 10. Early years as Rector of Hitcham; 11. The Rector; 12. The later years; Epilogue; Appendix 1. Genealogical tables; Appendix 2. Chronology; Appendix 3. Dramatis personae; Appendix 4. Eponymous taxa; Appendix 5. Local botanical records; Endnotes; Bibliography; Index.

Review :
Review of the hardback: 'It is such a pleasure to read this book. It is sensual and sleek, beautifully printed on the finest paper, comprehensively (and not over abundantly) illustrated, and written, with clarity and verve … It has many fine-screen half-tones, beautifully photographed documents, fine colour pictures and the page design is impeccable … Cambridge University Press and the authors deserve high praise for a thorough and diligent job well done.' Brian J. Ford, Biologist Review of the hardback: 'It is a satisfying read for anyone interested in the burgeoning and sometimes passionate history of science in the nineteenth century, larded with glimpses of Victorian social life and colourful characters.' Roy Herbert, New Scientist Review of the hardback: 'A fascinating and well-researched work …' Suffolk Journal Review of the hardback: '… the world is certainly richer with this book on its shelves.' Open History Review of the hardback: 'This fascinating study will place Henslow in his rightful context in the history of science …' John S. Parker, Cambridge Review of the hardback: 'Darwin students everywhere will need this book. So will those whose subject is Henslow.' Archives of Natural History Review of the hardback: 'Walter and Stow have written a valuable biography of a scientist who deserves to be better known in his own right.' Annals of Science Review of the hardback: 'The publishers are to be commended for such a lavish production, richly complemented by beautiful illustrations … Strongly recommended.' Naturalist