Merriam-Webster defines the following words thusly:
- well-read (adjective): well-informed or deeply versed through reading
- naturalist (noun): [definition 2] a student of natural history
Since the establishment of The Well-read Naturalist in 2009, I have greatly favored the second part of its name, “naturalist,” with the first part, “well-read” merely describing the latter. However after many years of devoting it exclusively to books within the category of natural history, venturing occasionally as well into the history thereof and the history of science in general, I have decided that it is time to give due respect to the “well-read” portion of this publication as well.
As a result, the editorial scope of The Well-read Naturalist will be expanded to encompass any and all subjects of interest to me, among which will be included:
- natural history and the history thereof
- history of science
- history of medicine
- ancient history, particularly Greek and Roman
- European history, particularly from the fall of Rome through the 19th century
- Greek and Latin classics, as well as commentaries thereupon
- classic works of fiction and verse, and commentaries thereupon
- history of mathematics, primarily ancient
- book series promoting and furthering a liberal education (note: do not confuse this with either political liberalism or what is presently understood to be the liberal arts)
On these, and other – usually related – topics as deemed of interest, will be published:
- feature-length book reviews
- in-brief reviews of books (often those shorter in length for which a feature-length review would seem excessive)
- news of newly published and forthcoming books
- notes and comments on long-since published books found to be of interest
- a Commonplace Book of quotations determined to be worthy of remembrance
- a Marginalia wherein are recorded, as the name implies, items of interest preserved for future reference
Book publicists wishing to submit their current or forth-coming books for possible inclusion and review in The Well-read Naturalist are encouraged to contact the The Well-read Naturalist directly.
Please note:
- Any book submitted must be sent in print form – digital copies are not accepted
- Advance reading copies are accepted but works with significant photography or illustrations as a key part of their overall production must provide the actual published work as a validation of the proof copy.
- While self-published books will be considered, it is very unusual for them to be included.
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The Well-read Naturalist is wholly owned and published by J. Riutta Enterprises LLC.