Edward Donovan (1768-1837)
An Epitome of the Natural History of the Insects of China
(London: 1798)
Courtesy of the Royal Irish Academy
Cork-born artist and naturalist Edward Donovan was an avid collector of natural history specimens. Although he rarely ventured outside London, he wrote extensive studies on plants and insects from around the world. Most of his research was informed by artefacts in private collections.
Donovan based the text and illustrations for this book on information shared with him by George Macartney, Britain’s first envoy to China. In 1808, Donovan opened a natural history museum in London. His extravagant spending on his passion led to him becoming destitute.
