The Naturalist

'An artist, a pioneering biologist, and someone who helped make our cherished Australian Museum one of the greatest in the world. At last, his enthralling story is being told.' --Robyn Williams 'Brendan Atkins' book is a labour of love, a meticulously researched account of the life of Allan McCulloch, a senior and controversial figure at Sydney's Australian Museum and one of the world's leading ichthyologists or fish biologists. It chronicles his field work adventures across the Pacific and informs us about a myriad of topics along the way, from taxidermy and dioramas to the ongoing problem of museums and their often-plundered objects. McCulloch led a troubled life, something this book describes with honesty and insight. He was also an accomplished artist, studying under Julian Ashton; the remarkable sketches and paintings of species reproduced here indicate his complete dedication to his craft.' --Ken Gelder, co-author of The Colonial Kangaroo Hunt (2020) and Professor of English at the University of Melbourne 'A fascinating biography of a fascinating man; one who was a naturalist, adventurer, artist, and a genius who found his greatest struggle was to deal with his own demons.' --Louis Nowra 'A wonderful biography that takes us into the intricate and astonishing world of the natural history museum 100 years ago. Brendan Atkins recovers an important curator, the enigmatic and talented Allan McCulloch, with insight, humour and sensitivity. Along the way, he teases out distinctions between stealing and collecting, guilt and hubris, despair and genius.' --Cathy Perkins, author of The Shelf Life of Zora Cross 'This fascinating story of a talented naturalist and his unravelling is also a portrait of the colonial madness of museums and collecting.' --Delia Falconer