American Eden

by Victoria Johnson ’02GSAS
American Eden cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Technical
  • ID: 2553
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
The Foundation for Landscape Studies · Elizabeth Hyde · 2025-10-15
brilliant 4.50

The book is a deeply researched and evocative history that follows the life of David Hosack, providing fascinating insights into his contributions to botany and medicine.

Elizabeth Hyde's review for The Foundation for Landscape Studies praises 'American Eden' for its deep research and evocative storytelling. Hyde highlights how the book provides a fascinating look into the life of David Hosack, his contributions to botany and medicine, and the broader historical context. The review emphasizes the book's ability to engage readers with its detailed and compelling narrative, making it a valuable addition to the field of landscape studies and history.

Quick quotes

    "Victoria Johnson's American Eden is the kind of history I love: deeply researched, evocative of its time, and fascinating at every turn."

    "It follows the life of David Hosack, a man whose contributions to botany and medicine were significant yet often overlooked."

    "Johnson's prose is engaging and her research is thorough, making 'American Eden' a standout biography."

Carol's Notebook · Carol · 2018-08-16
great 4.00

The book is a vivid and well-researched biography that brings historical figures, places, and plants to life. It is highly recommended for those who enjoy biographies of historical figures.

Carol from Carol's Notebook finds 'American Eden' to be a vivid and well-researched biography that brings the life of David Hosack to life. Carol appreciates Johnson's ability to vividly depict the people, places, and plants of the time, making the book a compelling read. The review highlights the book's engaging narrative and thorough research, making it a great choice for anyone interested in historical biographies. Carol's enthusiasm for the book is evident, and she highly recommends it to readers who enjoy learning about historical figures.

Quick quotes

    "I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys biographies of historical figures."

    "Johnson brings the people, places, and plants to life."

    "The book is a rich and compelling read that sheds light on an important figure in American history."

The New York Times · Jennifer Szalai · 2018-06-25
intriguing 4.00

The book sheds light on a forgotten figure in American history, David Hosack, and his significant contributions to botany and medicine. The narrative is engaging and well-researched, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts.

Jennifer Szalai's review in The New York Times highlights how Victoria Johnson's 'American Eden' brings to light the largely forgotten figure of David Hosack, a prominent botanist and physician in early America. Szalai praises Johnson's ability to weave together Hosack's personal life, professional achievements, and the broader historical context, creating a narrative that is both informative and engaging. The review emphasizes the book's thorough research and its appeal to readers interested in the intersection of science, medicine, and history.

Quick quotes

    "Victoria Johnson's 'American Eden' unearths Hosack, who was lauded in his lifetime but largely forgotten since."

    "Hosack's Columbia lectures were a sensation, and Johnson vividly recreates the excitement they generated."

    "Johnson's prose is melodic and her research is exhaustive, making 'American Eden' a standout biography."

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