Chrysalis: Maria Sibylla Merian and the Secrets of Metamorphosis - Kim Todd 'An extraordinary portrait of an artist and amateur naturalist who explored the teeming life of the Amazon and helped lay the groundwork for our present-day understanding of ecology...With a detective's eye, Todd has pieced together the life of this neglected genius who charted the micro-world of insects...Todd's long overdue re-examination of Merian's work shows the extent of her scientific contributions and reminds us how much of our early understanding of biology depended on the keen eye of the amateur. This bold, wide-ranging text also considers the theological view of metamorphosis, the controversy over spontaneous generation, Merian's connection to other accomplished women of her day, her opposition to slavery in Surinam and her reliance on Amerindians to bring her specimens. A breathtaking example of scholarship and storytelling, enriched by ample illustrations of Merian's work.' Starred review, Kirkus 'This lovely and thoughtful book sets Maria Merian's work in its natural context, restoring its true meaning and the reputation she deserves.' Andrea Barrett, author of Voyage of the Narwhal 'Drawing on Merian's work and personal documents, Todd sheds new light on the history and contributions of this absolutely amazing woman. Not only did her interest in science fall outside normal gender roles but Merian also traveled at the age of 50 as far as Surinam from Europe to study her beloved caterpillars...Todd explains that all we really need to know about the woman can be seen through the passion of her work. Todd's writing itself is lush, almost poetic, whether she is describing the science of metamorphosis or Merian's own personal metamorphoses throughout her life. Highly recommended for all public and research libraries.' Starred review, Library Journal 'In this revolutionary biography of Maria Merian, Kim Todd has rewritten history to include this woman of courage, dedication and genius, and in doing so has turned an old notion or two on its head. This is an earth-shaking book.' Janisse Ray, author of Ecology of a Cracker Childhood 'Kim Todd gives wings to the life of the artist/naturalist Maria Merian. A lovely and exhilarating book.' Deirdre McNamer, author of My Russian 'Gifted with an innate sense of ecology, Merian depicted insects within their habitats a century ahead of Audubon, who did the same for birds. Todd emulates Merian's richly contextual approach in her vivid descriptions of every facet of her subject's vibrant world as she insightfully chronicles Merian's extraordinary life...Todd's discerning analysis and deep appreciation resurrect Merian and reclaim her still vital achievements, ensuring that Merian will stand as the resourceful and courageous visionary she truly was.' Starred review, Booklist 'Little is known about this remarkable woman except for a few letters and her beautiful engravings and watercolors, most of them published in her books on insect metamorphosis. Todd (Tinkering with Eden) fleshes out her biography with colorful descriptions of Merian's world and the people she knew, emphasizing that she was as exceptional in her art as in her life. ...Merian fell out of favor in the 19th century, but today, when scientists have come to appreciate the importance of environment to insect development, her star is rising again. Todd's vivid account should do much to further the renewed interest in this unusual woman and her pioneering approach to insect illustration.' Publishers Weekly'Not content with simply painting beautiful butterflies, [Merian] carefully collected the caterpillars, fed them on their natural foodplants and reared out the adults, then recorded the whole life history in exquisite watercolour...Merian's collections and drawings from Surinam were a significant contribution to the study of the region's flora and fauna; Linnaaeus drew on them for his great catalogue of living things. Her careful obseTHE TIMESRedeeming the reputation of yet another underrated European woman, Kim Todd writes lucidly, and with historic and scientific accuracy, about the life of Maria Merian who, as an explorer and natural scientist, preceded Darwin, Humboldt and Audubon.-Iain Finlayson
