Animals, Museum Culture and Children's Literature in Nineteenth-Century Britain: Curious Beasties

Curious Beasties explores the relationship between zoological and palaeontological specimens brought back from around the world in the long nineteenth century and the development of children's literature. It argues that late Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian writers took part in the urge for mass education and presented the world and its curious creatures to children, often borrowing from their museum culture and its objects.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 309 pages
Publication date: 29 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Animals, Museums, Culture, and Children's Literature in Nineteenth-Century Britain: Curious Beasties delves into the intricate connection between the zoological and palaeontological specimens acquired during extensive nineteenth-century expeditions, encompassing both living, stuffed, and fossilized specimens. These specimens, originating from diverse corners of the globe, found their way into Britain, contributing to the emergence of children's literature during this transformative period. As scientific expeditions brought an influx of new species to Britain, ranging from majestic giraffes and hippopotamuses to exotic kangaroos, wombats, platypuses, and sloths, children's literature blossomed with captivating tales and imaginative narratives.

Late Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian writers, driven by the urge for mass education, actively engaged in presenting the world and its peculiar creatures to young minds. They drew upon their rich museum culture and its vast array of objects to create vivid maps of this unfamiliar world. Through their literary works, these writers explored how children's literature responded to the new global order, offering a distinctive perspective on the construction of science during the long nineteenth century.

This groundbreaking exploration sheds light on the dynamic interplay between animals, museums, culture, and children's literature, providing a rich tapestry of historical insights and literary treasures. It underscores the profound impact of scientific discoveries and cultural influences on the development of children's literature, showcasing the imaginative and creative ways in which writers of the past interpreted and communicated the wonders of the natural world to their young readers.

Weight: 419g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030725297
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021