Chrysalis

Maria Sibylla Merian and the Secrets of Metamorphosis

By: Kim Todd

Narrated by: Amélie Trufant Dawson

Before Darwin, before Audubon, there was Maria Sibylla Merian.

An artist turned naturalist known for her botanical illustrations, Merian was born just 16 years after Galileo proclaimed that the Earth orbited the sun. But at the age of 50, she sailed from Europe to the New World on a solo scientific expedition to study insect metamorphosis—an unheard-of journey for any naturalist at that time, much less a woman.

When she returned, she produced a book that secured her reputation, only to have it savaged in the 19th century by scientists who disdained the work of “amateurs.”

Chrysalis takes us from golden age Amsterdam to the Surinam tropics to modern laboratories where Merian’s insights fuel a new branch of biology. Kim Todd brings to life a 17th century woman whose boldness and vision would still be exceptional today.

©2007 Kim Todd (P)2023 Kim Todd

A Brilliant Woman’s Accomplishments Revealed

The author’s enriching context of history, politics and science during Maria Sibylla Merian’s lifetime help the reader grasp the significance of her contributions to our understanding of metamorphosis. The meticulous records and paintings are gifts to us all. Kim Todd’s efforts help bring Merian to life and hopefully help restore the naturalist’s place in European history.

Wonderful writing and fantastic narration

This is such a fascinating portrait of an important yet forgotten woman. And the narration is a perfect match for the story!

Amazing life and talents

The author gives us a fully rounded biography of Maria Merian and recounts her struggles for recognition. She also discusses the legacy of Maria’s scholarship in later years. Very well researched information.