Measuring the World

Daniel Kehlmann — 2007

Measuring the World recreates the parallel but contrasting lives of two geniuses of the German Enlightenment - the naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt and the mathematician and physicist Carl Friedrich Gauss. Towards the end of the 18th century, these two brilliant young Germans set out to measure the world. Humboldt, a Prussian aristocrat schooled for greatness, negotiates savannah and jungle, travels down the Orinoco, climbs the highest mountain known to man, counts head lice, and explores every hole in the ground. Gauss, a man born in poverty who will be recognized as the greatest mathematician since Newton, does not even need to leave his home in Göttingen to know that space is curved. He can run prime numbers in his head, cannot imagine a life without women and yet jumps out of bed on his wedding night to jot down a mathematical formula. Daniel Kehlmann has produced a novel of rare charm and readability, distinguished by its sly humour and unforgettable characterisation. The author's acute powers of observation and ability to write memorable dialogue shine through its every page. Measuring the World marks the UK debut of a distinctive and original voice in contemporary fiction.

Reviews

kristin :)@addictedtobooksdotcom

Dec 28, 2023

i had to read this book for school and tbh it really was a pain to get through. it was so incredibly boring to me and on top of that had absolutely no relevant plot. i had to force myself to actually get through this, even tho it only had 300 pages. i really don't get how people can find this entertaining or call this a "literal masterpiece" which is how it's advertised. don't recommend.

Laura Mauler@blueskygreenstrees

Dec 25, 2023

Two self-absorbed men set out on individual scientific quests, one mathematical and one botanical/cartographical. They both accomplish scientific things, are rude and selfish as often as possible, and are always tedious. In fact, they come off as completely flat, unreal characters, a feeling that is heightened by the author's blunt and choppy writing style and the almost complete lack of dialog throughout the book. The inability of Humboldt and Gauss to understand the people around them - and their complete interest in trying - made me completely uninterested in finding out what happens to them. Book tossed aside in supreme irritation.