The worldwide bestseller - the comprehensive biography of a universal genius. He was ahead of his time: Alexander von Humboldt, a polymath, tireless naturalist, the "second Columbus," and "re-discoverer of America." Like no other scientist, he shaped our understanding of nature as a living whole, as a cosmos in which everything is interconnected and of which we are an inseparable part. In her award-winning biography, Andrea Wulf guides us through Humboldt's adventurous life and work. He comprehends nature in its entirety as a web of life, thereby shaping our knowledge of the Earth's vulnerability. Thus, he remains as relevant as ever - even today. The bestseller in 21 countries - over 180,000 copies sold in Germany.