Have you ever thought about someone who was obsessed with something to a degree that it felt like a black hole, not just a mere fixation? Well, Wilson A. Bentley’s case wasn’t just an obsession; it was a gravitational pull of dedication! Duncan C. Blanchard’s book, “The Snowflake Man: A Biography of Wilson A. Bentley“, tells the captivating story of this remarkable individual.
The Genesis of “Snowflake Bentley”: A Farmer’s Singular Obsession
Let’s dive into who this Snowflake Bentley was. On paper, he was a farmer from Jericho, Vermont. But when asked for his occupation, he’d confidently state, “Snowflakes“! This single detail tells you everything about the man. From his teens, Snowflake Bentley taught himself how to photograph snow crystals through a microscope. He then pursued this lifelong obsession with snowflakes and their beauty for years before the scientific value of his work was recognized. Over his lifetime, Snowflake Bentley took more than five thousand photomicrographs of ice, dew, frost, and especially snow crystals. His ultimate dream was to find “the one, or the few, preeminently beautiful snow crystals”.
The Unconventional Genius of “Snowflake Bentley”
The Snowflake Man came from a poor farming background and had no formal scientific training. Because of this, some of his theories about snowflake formation were occasionally misconceived. Despite these challenges, he made a substantial contribution to the scientific understanding of snow. He was a true pioneer of snowflake photography, considered a genius and a man ahead of his time. His neighbors found him a bit “weird”, or as one source put it, “a bit cracked”, but perhaps not wealthy enough to be labeled “eccentric”. He even built his photographic equipment by hand as a teenager, incorporating found materials like broom straws.
“The Snowflake Man”: Poet of the Ephemeral
Beyond his scientific pursuits, Snowflake Bentley also possessed a profound appreciation for the abstract beauty of nature. He didn’t take an interest in religion, yet he combined pragmatic scientific observation with mysticism in a charming and unusual fashion. Snowflake Bentley wasn’t just observing; he was also philosophizing. He wrote, for instance, that “The snow crystals… come to us not only to reveal the wondrous beauty of the minute in Nature, but to teach us that all earthly beauty is transient and must soon fade away. But although the beauty of the snow is evanescent, like the beauty of the autumn, as of the evening sky, it fades but to come again”. This highlights Snowflake Bentley’s unique blend of scientific rigor and poetic sensibility.
Duncan C. Blanchard’s Lens on “Snowflake Bentley”
Duncan C. Blanchard’s biography, “The Snowflake Man“, provides an excellent look into the life of Snowflake Bentley. Blanchard, being a meteorologist and physicist himself, clearly knows his subject matter well and was likely inspired by Snowflake Bentley’s unwavering dedication. The book’s research is impressive, drawing from personal interviews, unpublished documents, and various articles, making it the most extensive record of Bentley’s life and work.
Blanchard skillfully balances discussions of snowflake observation science with personal details that bring Snowflake Bentley to life. He portrays a man with a distinct Northern New England quirkiness, who was mild-mannered, perhaps shy, enjoyed practical jokes, and was a musician. Anecdotes, letters, and quotes from Snowflake Bentley’s own writings are included, such as his performing piano for audiences while a family friend sang during the intermission of his slide shows. The writing style is methodical, and though the book is a “slim effort” that can be read in one sitting, it effectively captures both the scientist and the man. It also provides satisfactory context for Snowflake Bentley’s beautiful photographs.
The Enduring Legacy of “Snowflake Bentley’s” Obsession
Ultimately, the Snowflake Man is more than just a biography of a snow crystal photographer. It’s a fitting tribute to one man’s lifelong obsession, a testament to dedication, and a story of contributing to science despite prevailing prejudices. Snowflake Bentley’s unprecedented collection of thousands of photographs taught the world just how unique these ice crystals truly are.
The most compelling aspect of the book is the insight it offers into obsession itself, which will linger long after you turn the last page. It’s a worthy and recommended read if only to honor the fierce, undying commitment of the Snowflake Man. If you’re interested in meteorology, photography, or simply the beauty of nature, the story of Snowflake Bentley’s life will undoubtedly resonate with you. You’ll come away with a lesson in singular dedication that lasts longer than most things you’ve recently encountered.
