Prelude: Heredity, Sex, and Species â€{u0D28}e Greek View -- Silesia and Moravia â€{u0365}ndelâ€{u3814}ortured Homeland -- The First Decade: The Childhood of a Farmerâ€{u3813}on -- Johann Mendelâ€{u380C}ehrjahre: The Second Decade -- The Third Decade: The Vow -- Into the Fourth Decade: The Failed Professor.

Gregor Johann Mendel continues to fascinate the general public as well as scholars, the former for his life and the latter for his achievements. Solitude of a Humble Genius is a two-volume biography presenting Mendel in the context of the history of biology and philosophy; and in the context of the setting in which he lived and worked. In this first volume the authors set the stage for a new interpretation of Mendelâ€{u3821}chievements and personality. The period of Mendelâ€{u382C}ife covered by this volume is critical to understanding why he saw what other biologists, including Charles Darwin, for example, didnâ€{u4BA0}In searching for clues to Mendelâ€{u3834}hinking, the authors discuss at length the origin of his genes; the history of the region of his birth; they also spend a day and then the four seasons of the year with his family; and finally they examine the schooling he received, as well as the cultural and political influences he was exposed to. An indispensible part of the work is Norman Kleinâ€{u3821}rtwork. In this first volume alone, it comprises nearly 80 original drawings and includes cartoons that enliven the narration, scenes from Mendelâ€{u382C}ife, portraits, and plans and drawings of the cities and buildings in which he lived, studied, and worked.