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S. M. WALTERS and E. A. STOW, Darwin's Mentor: John Stevens Henslow 1796-1861. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001. Pp. xx+ 338. ISBN 0-521-59146-5. £40.00 (hardback).
DOI: 10.1017/S0007087403255 175
It has been Henslow's misfortune to be type-cast as the chief patron at the University of Cambridge of the young Charles Darwin. It would be foolish, however, to disparage Henslow as a mentor. Recent biographies of Darwin agree with his own view that meeting Henslow was the one circumstance which influenced his career more than any other. Janet Browne, the illustrious madam-president of our Society, has no doubt that Darwin became the devoted disciple and friend of Henslow, who opened the door to Darwin's future. It could indeed be argued that the role of mentor suited Henslow. No less a figure than Joseph Hooker was greatly indebted to his father-in-law for influencing his conduct more than anyone and for his suggestive knowledge of botany.
The dust jacket of this sumptuously produced book by Walters and Stow led me to expect unqualified hagiography of Henslow as Darwin's mentor and as professor of botany at Cambridge from 1825 to 1861. It carries two illustrations of Darwin but only one of Henslow. As on the title page, the subtitle is printed in smaller and less bold type. The blurb alludes to Henslow's lasting contribution to the University and to the education system...