Gilbert White

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Gilbert White

1720-1793

English naturalist and clergyman who was the author of The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne (1789). In 1752 White began keeping a journal of his observations of his garden in Selborne. He published his first book of observations, A Calendar of Flora and the Garden, in 1765 and followed this work with Naturalist's Journal (1768). Naturalists and nature lovers praised White for his keen observations and methodical approach and considered his book a true landmark in the progress of English natural history.