The major purpose of this book is to present Johann Gregor Mendel (1822-1884) in a real and interesting way based on the most recent historical research and analysis of authentic sources. The authors aim to show Mendel´s scientific thinking and inner feelings together with his environment and to communicate his message as a multifaceted personality and modern experimentalist.

The book draws from the only existing short sketch of Mendel´s youth, his letters and the biographical ceiling paintings that were made according to his proposal. They form the basis of the self-portrait concept.

The structure of the book follows thematic groups covering Mendel´s activities from a poor village boy in search for education and financial security, as not being physically suitable for running his father's farm. The book does not perpetuate the myths invented by some creative authors to make Mendel´s biography more attractive. Mendel´s life and work are dramatic enoughwithout those embellishments. Mendel found happiness in science and he was able to explain the theory of new scientific facts. He was not a tragic figure, he did not work to become famous, but to be useful. His pea research has now been appreciated as a genius accomplishment of a scientist.

The book is published at the occasion of Mendel´s birthday bicentennial.

<p>Chapter 1:  Assistant in the Old Brno Parish 1848

Chapter 2: Petitioner for Freedom 1848
Chapter 3:<i>Gymnasium</i> Substitute Teacher 1849/50
Chapter 4:  Author of a Brief Sketch of his Life 1850
Chapter 5: Applicant for a University Accreditation 1850
Chapter 6:  Member of the Agricultural Society 1851-84
Chapter 7:  Substitute Teacher at the Technical Institute 1851
Chapter 8:  Extraordinary Student at the Viennese University 1851-53
Chapter 9:  Balancing Between the Profane and the Sacral 1854-55.- 10:  Substitute Teacher at the<i> Realschule</i> 1854-68
Chapter 11:   Founding Member of the <i>Naturforschender Verein</i> 1861
Chapter 12:    Ceiling Paintings 1875
Chapter 13: Improver of Agriculture
Chapter 14: Expert in Meteorology
Chapter 15: Experimentalist in Apiculture
Chapter 16: Accredited Examiner in Pomology
Chapter 17:  Organizer of Agricultural Society Exhibits
Chapter 18:     Temporospatial Milestones of his Life.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><br>