Georg Wilhelm Steller (1709-1746) was a physician, botanist, and ethnographer. In 1741, Steller participated in the Great Northern Expedition under the leadership of Vitus Bering. Thanks to his efforts, the expedition was able to land in Alaska. In just ten hours, Steller recorded and documented over 150 plants and discovered the indigenous society of the Aleuts. On the return journey, the expedition was stranded on Bering Island for about a year. Under extreme conditions, Steller proved to be an outstanding leader and a survival expert. It is largely due to him that a significant portion of the crew survived. Additionally, he documented the fauna and flora of Bering Island. Some now-extinct animals are known to us only through his records. Aura Koivisto not only chronicles Steller's life and discoveries during his adventurous journey but also addresses the consequences of human interventions in untouched natural areas. A book full of knowledge and insightful thoughts.