Description

Book Synopsis
Allan Riverstone McCulloch (1885–1925) was a leading scientist and talented illustrator, the Australian Museum's most senior curator and its star exhibition designer. Yet history has ignored his many contributions.

A free spirit and an expert on Australia's fish species, McCulloch was happiest on field trips collecting specimens on the Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe Island and beyond. He escaped office politics at the museum to accompany cinematographer Frank Hurley on an expedition to tropical Papua in 1922, but controversy erupted when officials accused them of stealing secret, sacred artefacts for the museum's collection. The trip also left McCulloch with dysentery and malaria, and his mental health declined.

In The Naturalist, Brendan Atkins explores McCulloch's scientific genius and artistic talents, and his crucial role in the development of the Australian Museum. It's a fascinating and unflinching look at the remarkable life of a brilliant yet troubled Australian.

The Naturalist: The remarkable life of Allan Riverstone McCulloch

    Product form

    £19.76

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £21.95 – you save £2.19 (9%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Tue 11 Aug 2026.

    A Paperback by Brendan Atkins

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Naturalist: The remarkable life of Allan Riverstone McCulloch by Brendan Atkins

      Publisher: NewSouth Publishing
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 01/10/2022
      ISBN13: 9781742237756, 978-1742237756
      ISBN10: 1742237754
      Also in:
      Illustration Individual artists, art monographs Biography: arts and entertainment

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Allan Riverstone McCulloch (1885–1925) was a leading scientist and talented illustrator, the Australian Museum's most senior curator and its star exhibition designer. Yet history has ignored his many contributions.

      A free spirit and an expert on Australia's fish species, McCulloch was happiest on field trips collecting specimens on the Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe Island and beyond. He escaped office politics at the museum to accompany cinematographer Frank Hurley on an expedition to tropical Papua in 1922, but controversy erupted when officials accused them of stealing secret, sacred artefacts for the museum's collection. The trip also left McCulloch with dysentery and malaria, and his mental health declined.

      In The Naturalist, Brendan Atkins explores McCulloch's scientific genius and artistic talents, and his crucial role in the development of the Australian Museum. It's a fascinating and unflinching look at the remarkable life of a brilliant yet troubled Australian.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account