The Natural History of Wiltshire (eBook)

John Aubrey (1626–1697) was an English antiquary, natural philosopher, and writer who left an indelible mark on the way we perceive the lives of his contemporaries and the landscapes they inhabited. Known for his charmingly idiosyncratic approach to biography and history, Aubrey's collection of brief lives, though unpublished during his lifetime, has since provided an invaluable glimpse into the personal quirks and tales of notable figures from the 16th and 17th centuries. His major works include 'Miscellanies' (1696), a collection of supernatural and historical anecdotes, and the posthumously published 'Brief Lives' edited by Andrew Clark in 1898. However, his contributions also significantly extend to the fields of archaeology and natural history. His comprehensive work, 'The Natural History of Wiltshire' (1847, edited by John Britton), stand as a testament to his diligent observation and pioneering methods in this area. Although these writings were also unpublished during his lifetime, they lend insight into the flora, fauna, and geological features of the county while presenting a fascinating montage of folklore and local knowledge. Aubrey's literary style—observant, intimate, and at times delightfully digressive—has enthralled readers with its rich portrayal of a bygone England, capturing the essence of his subjects with both reverence and personal touch.