Published: 01 Sep 2022
Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
Imprint: Birlinn
Format: Hardback. Paperback soon
ISBN: 9781780277851
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About the book
Discover one of the Scottish Enlightenment’s brightest stars.
Soon in paperback. In his Theory of the Earth, James Hutton revolutionised the way we think about how our planet was formed and laid the foundation for the science of geology. But this giant of the Enlightenment, who also wrote on diverse subjects and was in his time a doctor, a farmer, a businessman and a chemist, remains a mystery.
Hutton shunned status and official position. His papers, library and mineral collection all vanished after his death, and only a handful of letters survive. He seems to have been a confirmed bachelor, yet had a secret son whom he supported throughout his life. With reference to new sources and original documents, this book brings Hutton the man to life and explores his extraordinary contribution in many different fields.
He was a tireless seeker after truth. Yet among the giants of the Scottish Enlightenment, the name of James Hutton is overlooked.
A friend of James Watt and of Adam Smith, he was a polymath, publishing papers on subjects as diverse as why it rains and a theory of language. He shunned status and official position, refused to give up his strong Scots accent and vulgar speech, loved jokes and could start a party in an empty room.
This book uses new sources and original documents to bring Hutton the man to life and places him firmly among the geniuses of his time.
Reviews
‘A rich and sympathetic account of one of the most important intellectual stars of the Enlightenment’
Allan Massie, The Scotsman
“Perman deftly picks his way through Hutton’s life explaining his complex theories and mind-stretching ideas.”
HISTORY SCOTLAND MAGAZINE
“Thought-provoking, easy-to-digest, and peppered with tales that could form the basis of a binge-worthy TV drama.”
SCOTTISH FIELD
“This engaging biography offers a rich and sympathetic account of one of the most important intellectual stars of the Enlightenment.”
THE SCOTSMAN
“It is hard to see how Ray Perman’s excellent biography of James Hutton is ever likely to be supplanted as the definitive account of Hutton’s life and ideas.”
UNDISCOVERED SCOTLAND
“In his attention to the social context of Hutton’s life and work, Ray Perman provides a welcome addition to the still short First Geologist bookshelf. James Hutton: The Genius of Time helps us to appreciate Hutton and the scientific fuse he lit.”
TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT