Philip Henry Gosse
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Brief Biography
Philip Henry Gosse was born in Worcester, England, but raised in Poole. He demonstrated an early aptitude for drawing under the influence of his father, who was a painter. Despite limited formal education, he delved into extensive reading, borrowing books from acquaintances to broaden his knowledge. In 1827, Gosse moved to Newfoundland, Canada, where he immersed himself in the study of natural history, joined book and debating societies, and embraced Methodism. Gosse later moved to Alabama and taught at Pleasant Hill while studying local natural history, but he left after eight months due to heat, humidity, and his discomfort with slavery. Gosse then settled in London, teaching, writing scientific articles, and publishing books on natural history. His works explore diverse subjects, including Canadian and Jamaican natural history, marine biology, and the establishment of home aquariums. In 1855, his book Letters From Alabama was published serially and discusses Alabama’s plants, animals, and culture. Gosse's religious convictions prompted his attempt to reconcile biblical creationism with scientific discoveries in his controversial 1857 book Omphalos. Despite criticism, he continued to publish and teach until his death in 1888.
Publications
The Canadian Naturalist: A Series of Conversations on the Natural History of Lower Canada. London; J. van Voorst, 1840. Rpt. Toronto; Coles Pub. Co., 1971.
The Ocean. London; Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1845. Rpt. Philadelphia; Parry & McMillan, 1856.
The Birds of Jamaica. London; J. van Voorst, 1847.
Natural History: Birds. London; The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1849.
A Naturalist's Sojourn in Jamaica. London; Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, 1851.
The Aquarium: An Unveiling of the Wonders of the Deep Sea. London; J. van Voorst, 1854.
Omphalos: An Attempt to Untie the Geological Knot. London; J. van Voorst, 1857. Rpt. Woodbridge, Conn.; Ox Bow Press, 1998. Rpt. London; Routledge, 2003.
Letters from Alabama (U. S.): Chiefly Relating to Natural History. London; Morgan and Chase, 1859. Rpt. Mountain Brook, Ala.; Overbrook Press, 1983. Rpt. Tuscaloosa; University of Alabama Press, 1993.
Evenings at the Microscope: Or, Researches Among the Minuter Organs and Forms of Animal Life. London; Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1859. Rpt. New York; D. Appleton and Company, 1896. Rpt. New York; P.F. Collier, 1901.
The Ocean. London; Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1845. Rpt. Philadelphia; Parry & McMillan, 1856.
The Birds of Jamaica. London; J. van Voorst, 1847.
Natural History: Birds. London; The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1849.
A Naturalist's Sojourn in Jamaica. London; Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, 1851.
The Aquarium: An Unveiling of the Wonders of the Deep Sea. London; J. van Voorst, 1854.
Omphalos: An Attempt to Untie the Geological Knot. London; J. van Voorst, 1857. Rpt. Woodbridge, Conn.; Ox Bow Press, 1998. Rpt. London; Routledge, 2003.
Letters from Alabama (U. S.): Chiefly Relating to Natural History. London; Morgan and Chase, 1859. Rpt. Mountain Brook, Ala.; Overbrook Press, 1983. Rpt. Tuscaloosa; University of Alabama Press, 1993.
Evenings at the Microscope: Or, Researches Among the Minuter Organs and Forms of Animal Life. London; Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1859. Rpt. New York; D. Appleton and Company, 1896. Rpt. New York; P.F. Collier, 1901.
Themes
Philip Henry Gosse wrote scientific and religious articles as well as books about nature. He frequently illustrated his books with sketches and watercolor paintings.
Publisher
Alabama Authors of the 19th and 20th Centuries, edited by Beverley Park Rilett, http://AlabamaAuthors.org
Collection
Citation
Gosse, Philip Henry, “Philip Henry Gosse,” Alabama Authors of the 19th & 20th Centuries, accessed September 19, 2024, https://alabamaauthors.org/items/show/589.