The Forgotten Teachers: How Nature Wrote the Story of Life
by Brian Isett (Author), Claudia Biçen (Illustrator)
Interweaving science and storytelling, spirituality and art, a neuroscientist and an artist guide us toward a deeper understanding of how radically interconnected all of life is.
A Kirkus Reviews Fall Preview selection!
Selected for The New Yorker Holiday Gift Guide!
Starting from science, while reaching for spiritual truth, The Forgotten Teachers charts the evolution of life on Earth under the mentorship of six teachers: Ocean, Air, Theia (through collision with this planet, Earth was set on its tilt), Sun, Plants, and Symbionts. Ideas from the field of evolutionary biology, accompanied by watercolor illustrations, guide this factual yet mytho-poetic exploration of life.
Motivated by their shared concern over the severance of science from the sacred, and humans from their place within nature, Isett and Biçen set out to write a scientific wonder story for our times―to enchant readers with the strangeness and beauty of evolutionary biology, while reintegrating us into the natural world.
As Rachel Carson did in her time and as Wendell Berry has done as a poet and essayist across the years, Isett writes with precision and urgency to remind us that we participate in a story that is far larger than ourselves, and that to see ourselves more truly would be to see the many ways in which we belong to the molecules and mysteries of the living world.
Originally published in Japan and written and illustrated by one of the country’s most important picture book makers, The Snow Theater is a quietly enchanting tale about the wild beauty of nature, the powers of the imagination, and the unconditional love of a parent for their child.
U.S. Orders
Free Shipping
- Orders of $75 and more
Standard Delivery
- $12.95 Flat-rate standard shipping to the contiguous 48 states
- $24.95 Flat-rate standard shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories
- $6.95 Media mail shipping
- Standard shipping time is 3 to 7 business days
- Some exclusions apply
- Additional fees and exclusions apply on oversize (50+ lbs), custom, and specialty items
Express Delivery
- $28.95 Express delivery to the contiguous 48 states
- Orders placed before 10 am Central Time will be delivered within 2 business days
- Additional fees and exclusions apply on oversize (50+ lbs), custom, and specialty items
- For orders outside of the contiguous 48 states, email orderssupport@mfah.org
Overnight Delivery
- $44.95 Overnight delivery to the contiguous 48 states
- Additional fees and exclusions apply on oversize (50+ lbs), custom, and specialty items
- Orders placed before 10 am Central Time will be delivered within 1 business day
For orders outside of the contiguous 48 states, email orderssupport@mfah.org
International Orders
- International shipping is available for in-stock items
- Pricing and delivery times vary by country and will be shown at checkout
- Shipments may be subject to additional fees
- Expected delivery times will be shown at checkout
- All international sales are final
- International orders are excluded from free shipping offers
For questions, changes, cancellations, or express shipping options, email orderssupport@mfah.org
Gift Cards
- MFA Shop gift cards ordered online will be delivered via email upon purchase
If you would like send or receive a physical gift card, email orderssupport@mfah.org
Custom Fine Art Prints
Made-to-order reproductions are custom printed on demand and are nonreturnable. Please allow 1 to 2 weeks production time. These items ship from Oregon and are not available for in-store pickup.
In-Store Returns
Most items may be returned for a full refund within 30 days. Items must be in the same condition that you received them; unworn or unused; with tags; and in the original packaging. Proof of purchase is required for all returns. Please see below for ineligible items.
If you have any questions regarding your return, email orderssuport@mfah.org
Damages and Issues
If you received a damaged or incorrect item, please email orderssuport@mfah.org right away.
Not Eligible for Return
- Beauty items, including perfumes, candles, and lotions
- Perishable goods, including food, chocolate, flowers, and plants
-
Custom orders, special orders, and personalized items
- Discounted or Sale items
If you have questions about return eligibility, email orderssuport@mfah.org
Exchanges
To initiate an exchange, email orderssupport@mfah.org
Online Returns
Online returns follow the same guidelines as in-store returns. To initiate a return, email orderssupport@mfah.org
Return shipping charges are at your own expense and are nonrefundable unless the item was received damaged or faulty, or an incorrect item was shipped. Please be sure to have a tracking number for the return shipment.
Package and return your item(s) to:
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Attn: Retail Department
5600 Fannin St
Houston TX 77004
Please Note: If you send a return without first initiating contact with MFA Shop, the return will not be accepted.
Refunds
Returns will be processed to the original payment card within 7 days of arrival. Please allow 2 to 3 days processing time for the funds to be returned to your card.
For an update on your refund, email orderssuport@mfah.org