The fascinating untold story of Finnish scientist and explorer Pehr
Kalm, who in 1750, became the first scientist to visit and study Niagara
Falls. Sent by the famous Swedish natural historian Carl Linnaeus to
research the New World, Kalm's task was to collect samples and write
descriptions for Linnaeus. His exciting expedition lasted three and a
half years, and its impact on the natural sciences was groundbreaking.
Kalm described all that he saw: the landscape and geography, colonists'
settlements and customs, Indians and slaves, and of course, many plants
and animals. His scientific report on Niagara Falls was the first, and
it was published by Benjamin Franklin. Two states have named their state
flowers after him, and the Virginia creeper, which he brought back from
his travels, now grows all over Finland. The book's brilliant
illustrations offer an accurate and engaging picture of Kalm's journey,
and the text is enriched by passages from Kalm's own travel journal.
From Finland to Niagara Falls is an illustrated history book for the
young and the curious of all ages.