author
G. B. (George Brettingham) Sowerby
1812–1884
A Victorian naturalist and shell expert, he helped turn conchology into a richly illustrated science. His books and plates opened the world of molluscs to both serious collectors and curious readers.
2 Audiobooks
A conchological manual
by G. B. (George Brettingham) Sowerby
Illustrated Index of British Shells Containing figures of all the recent species
by G. B. (George Brettingham) Sowerby
About the author
Born in Lambeth on March 25, 1812, George Brettingham Sowerby II was a British naturalist, illustrator, and conchologist. He came from the well-known Sowerby family of natural history artists and was educated at Harrow before joining his father’s publishing and business work.
He is especially remembered for his studies of shells and molluscs, and for helping publish major illustrated works including Thesaurus Conchyliorum. His combination of scientific interest and drawing skill made his books useful as both reference works and visual guides.
Sowerby was elected a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1844. He died on July 26, 1884, leaving behind a body of work that still connects Victorian natural history, scientific illustration, and the popular study of shells.