Alexander von Humboldt (1769 - 1859)

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This book remains an up-to date and engrossing document more than one hundred fifty years after its initial publication. The Island of Cuba is a key source for studies of 19th-centruy Cuba and slavery in the Caribbean, and has appeared in translated editions throughout the world.

Humboldt's description of the island, which brings together the fields of anthropology, geography, agriculture, demographics, commerce, and communications, provides a context in which to trace the history of Cuba-U.S. relations as well as a basis for modern Cuban studies.

Cubans celebrate Humboldt as the second "discoverer" of the island (after Columbus), and the controversial publication history of this book mirrors Cuba's history. The Spanish version was banned in colonial Cuba, and the American translation created an international controversy because of the translator J.S. Thrasher's open call for the American annexation of Cuba. Thrasher also deleted a chapter in which Humboldt condemned slavery, in order to please the pro-slavery party.

This new edition restores the missing chapter on slavery in a new translation and provides the text of the letter by Humboldt condemning the omission as well as Thrasher's response (both published in the New York Daily Times) and his polemical preface. Luis Martinez-Fernandez analyzes the publication history of Humboldt's book on Cuba, including an anniversary edition published under Fidel Castro, and follows the Cuban point of view on Humboldt over the course of the book's multifaceted history.

Luis Fernandez Martinez, author of Fighting Slavery in the Caribbean: The Life and Times of a British Family in Nineteenth-Century Havana, wrote the introduction for this edition. Shelley L. Frisch, Rutgers University, has provided a new translation of the chapter on slavery. Frank Argote-Freyre, Rutgers University, has contributed an essay on the role of Humboldt's friend and contemporary, Francisco Arango y Parreno, in the development of Humboldt's book.

Queer Scientists of Historical Note:  Alexander von Humboldt

From The National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals, Inc. (NOGLSTP)

Excerpt:

19th century Prussian naturalist, explorer of Central and South America, author of a 23-volume work on his travels, and of the seminal Cosmos, which laid the foundations for modern physical geography and meteorology. Humboldt was a leading European figure of his day, considered second only to Napoleon in influence. A major Pacific current, numerous cities, counties, and other landmarks bear his name. Following a passionate two-year affair with a Prussian soldier (von Haeften), Humboldt lived with von Haeften and his wife during the first six months of their marriage. He had a close relationship with Bonpland, the French botanist who accompanied him on his travels to South America, and described with attentive detail the masculine beauty of South American Indians. Humboldt’s homosexuality was widely acknowledged during his lifetime. Upon his death, Humboldt left everything to his man-servant, Siefert; his sister burned Humboldt’s love letters. Source: The Humboldt Society lecture, Philadelphia, 1996...

Alexander von Humboldt Association of America

In the words of the AvHAA's first President, George Leitmann, "The Association aims to promote professional collegiality among its members, to reinforce contacts with German scientists and scholars, and to assist the Stiftung in the promotion of its activities in the United States through, among other means, dissemination of program information. In the spirit of Alexander von Humboldt, the Association plans to establish contact with the almost seventy Humboldt Clubs and Associations in other countries..."

Alexander von Humboldt Biological Research Institute

Mission: Promote, coordinate and carry out research that contributes to the conservation and  sustainable use of the biodiversity in Colombia.

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

The Humboldt Foundation promotes an active world-wide network of scholars. Individual sponsorship during periods spent in Germany and longstanding follow-up contacts have been hallmarks of the foundation's work since 1953.

Alexander von Humboldt in America

By Margot Faak

Excerpt:

On June 5, 1999, it will be 200 years since Alexander von Humboldt undertook his research travels (1799-1804) in South and Central America. Preparations have been under way in America and Europe for some time to celebrate the anniversary. The question of its significance can be answered by anyone who knows Humboldt’s biography. Only some aspects of his journey are outlined here. The young Humboldt had to cope with great difficulties before realising his plan to journey to the West Indies. He had three aims: to get to know countries unknown to him, to compare the research status of his time with the unexplored nature of Latin America and to inform Europeans as soon as possible about his findings. He did so through letters written during his journey, diary entries and a 34-volume work published on his return home...

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Names Index:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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