Who was John Ray?
He was born in 1627, the son of the Black Notley blacksmith. In a period of English history that was based on superstition and rebellion, this intelligent young man caught the eye of the local Clergy and with their support and sponsorship, he gained a place at Cambridge University. Although he excelled at the University, war, politics and intrigue cut-short the sparkling career awaited him there, and he left to carry-on his work independently. John Ray went on to become Father of British natural history, and the founder of modern biology and zoology. This book introduces you to the local world of the seventeenth century; the world of John Ray.
