author
Rennie Wilbur Doane
1871–1942
A Stanford zoologist and entomologist, this early 20th-century writer helped make insect science practical and readable for students and general readers alike. His books reflect a teacher’s gift for turning close observation of the natural world into clear, useful knowledge.
1 Audiobook
About the author
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 11, 1871, he grew up in Kansas and Southern California and went on to study at Stanford University. He later joined Stanford’s faculty, where he taught zoology and entomology for many years and became known for both research and teaching.
His scientific work focused especially on flies, and he also wrote textbooks on insects and economic entomology. That combination of specialist knowledge and classroom experience shaped books that aimed to be practical, accessible, and grounded in real observation.
He died on December 1, 1942. Although he is remembered chiefly as a scientist and professor, his writing still carries the appeal of an author who wanted readers to look more closely at the living world around them.