Born in London on February 13, 1743, Joseph Banks (Figs. 3.1 and 3.2) was the son of a wealthy landowner, William Banks, and he appreciated the wonders of the British countryside at an early age. He was schooled at Harrow and later at Eton, before being admitted to Oxford’s Christchurch College at the age of 17. Three years later, he matriculated with an extensive knowledge of natural history and a passion for botany. Then, at age 21, he inherited the Revesby Estate in Lincolnshire with an income of £6000 per year, instantly becoming one of England’s wealthiest men.