Synopsis
This illustrated book explores the fascinating history of the natural sciences in the turbulent years of post-revolutionary and Restoration France, from Empress Josephine’s black swans and rare Franklinia tree to a giraffe that walked 480 miles across France to greet the king. It is the catalogue for an international loan exhibition held in 2011 at the APS Museum in Philadelphia and the record of an associated interdisciplinary symposium held at the American Philosophical Society (APS) on December 1-3, 2011. The essays, commentaries, and discussions present new perspectives on French natural history, its influence on French culture, and its ties to the natural sciences in North America. Contributors include art historians, historians of science, and scholars of French literature, history, and culture. Illus.
Review
Of Elephants & Roses was awarded the First Prize in the American Alliance of Museum's (AAM) 2014 Museum Publications Design Competition --American Alliance of Museum's
"This book serves double duty as the catalogue of an exhibition (Of Elephants & Roses: Encounters with French Natural History, 1790-1830, March 25-December 31, 2011) and the proceedings of the scholarly symposium that accompanied it...The impressive roster of contributors represents scholars from the realms of social history, literature, art, and science. The essays flow together organically and eloquently... all are written in a cohesive, accessible style. The book's intelligent organization is complemented by elegant design and an abundance of rich illustrative material....This formidable book offers a shining example of how art history can rise to the challenge and begin to redefine itself as a discipline. Under siege by academic and political forces alike as irrelevant and elitist, the field can no longer afford the luxury of scholarly feudalism and theoretical posturing. To this end, the goal of the American Philosophical Society, "to promote useful knowledge, "should be the mantra of all art historians." --Laurinda Dixon, Syracuse University
"Of Elephants & Roses is based upon a symposium held in December 2011. Although edited for publication, it is a very close rendition of the symposium proceedings, including transcripts of panel commentaries and discussions. The volume succeeds admirably in capturing a snapshot of scholarship in action. As a reader, I felt as if I were a silent participant in the discussions.... In addition to the fascinating insights found in this volume, Of Elephants & Roses raises questions that will lead to further understanding of the role of nature in French culture and politics...It is a valuable addition to the libraries of those interested in late eighteenth and early nineteenth-century French culture more generally." --Victoria E. Thompson, Arizona State University
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