One of a kind

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) is best known for establishing the scientific basis
of biological classification. In Linnaeus, Lisbet Koerner discovers a
complex man—paternalistic, patriotic, self-important and slightly
mendacious. Jealous of British colonial and scientific success, Linnaeus
promoted schemes for naturalising food crops such as tea, rice and olives to
improve Swedish economic self-sufficiency. Published by Harvard, £24.95,
ISBN 0674097459.