THE TAKES
I was happy when reading Kehlmann that I had already learned … from Andrea Wulf in our previous book ( selection ), that Alexander von Humboldt and his brother basically invented the modern university as an institution combining RESEARCH with learning and adding science to the classical liberal arts curriculum . After what many ( Book Club members ) described as a creaky English translation , I was glad I had taken on Kehlmann ’ s original German . I found the fictional biography a fun way to get to know about Humboldt and Gauss , two key figures who played such key roles in shaping my understanding of the world , as eccentric and very different personalities . Holly Todd
This fictionalized biography of two of Germany ’ s most famous nineteenth century scientists — Humboldt and Gauss — is a delightful and captivating read . It opens the door to these two remarkable men and their accomplishments in the time of German Romanticism . Carol Strametz
The underlying theme of aging was a bit depressing , as it became clear that the intellect of both protagonists peaked in their twenties . Ouch ! Carol Harbers
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