From Victorian voyages to vanishing maps: Books in brief

Nature

by Andrew Robinson

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Andrew Robinson reviews five notable science books that highlight key advancements and insights in various fields. Among them is *The Wake of HMS Challenger* by Gillen D’Arcy Wood, which revisits the 19th-century oceanographic expedition’s enduring impact on marine science. The book emphasizes how the ship’s legacy continues to shape our understanding of the oceans and its modern-day challenges. Another standout is Melissa Charenko’s *Climate by Proxy*, which explores how historical data and natural records provide critical insights into climate patterns, offering a bridge between past and present environmental changes. Jamie Woodward’s *A Little History of the Earth* presents an engaging overview of planetary evolution, using vivid examples like Stephen Gould’s lecture technique to illustrate Earth’s vast timeline. The book balances human history with broader geological processes, making it accessible for readers seeking a concise yet comprehensive understanding of our planet’s story. Ken Stern’s *Healthy to 100* delves into the intersection of health and longevity, though its relevance to broader scientific discourse is less clear. These books collectively demonstrate how historical voyages, climate science, and Earth’s evolution continue to inspire modern research. By revisiting these topics, authors like Wood, Charenko, and Woodward highlight the enduring importance of past discoveries in addressing contemporary scientific questions. For readers interested in science, these works offer both foundational knowledge and fresh perspectives on pressing issues like climate change and environmental conservation.

Verticals

scienceresearch

Originally published on Nature on 2/23/2026