Poetry at the Whipple

Darwin's Microscope

Thursday 23 July, 2-3pm

Whipple Museum of the History of Science

Kelley Swain is working in collaboration with The Whipple Museum of the History of Science as writer-in-residence to promote science literature through a series of readings, lectures, and writing workshops. On 23 July, Kelley will read from her first book of poetry, Darwin's Microscope, (Flambard Press,) inspired by her research on Charles Darwin as well as her own studies in biology, from rhododendrons to mangroves, sea scallops to cetaceans. The reading will be held in the gallery where Darwin's own microscope is currently on display as part of a new exhibition.

Kelley is the Secretary of the British Society for Literature and Science. She holds an MA in English from Randolph College and is a graduate of the Munson Institute for Maritime Studies. Her current work is on Caroline Herschel, sister of the famous astronomer William Herschel.

"Darwin's Microscope is a rich and personal engagement with Darwin and his science - both helping to bring the feeling of his lived experience into the mind of the reader and connecting our time - and our experiences – with those of the celebrated Victorian man of science." --Dr John van Wyhe, Director, The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online, University of Cambridge

All welcome!