Civilised by Beasts: Animals and Urban Change in Nineteenth-Century Dublin

Civilised by Beasts explores the history of nineteenth-century Dublin through human-animal relationships, arguing that the exploitation of animals was a key component of urban change. It uses a range of new and underused sources to chronologically move from 1830 to 1900, focusing on specific animals and their relationships to urban changes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2020
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Civilised by Beasts explores the captivating tale of nineteenth-century Dublin through the intricate tapestry of human-animal relationships. This unique narrative offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the everyday lives of the Irish metropolis during a transformative century marked by significant change and reform. At its core, the book makes a compelling argument that the exploitation of animals played a pivotal role in shaping the urban landscape, encompassing municipal reform, class formation, public health advancements, and policing developments. By employing a social history approach, the book delves into a wealth of previously underutilized sources, including archives from the humane society and the zoological society, popular songs, visual ephemera, and personal diaries. The narrative unfolds chronologically, spanning from 1830 to 1900, with each chapter dedicated to exploring the unique relationships between specific animals and the sweeping urban transformations that occurred during that time. Whether one is captivated by the history of cities, Dublin's rich heritage, or the captivating story of Ireland, Civilised by Beasts promises to captivate and engage readers with its rich tapestry of information and captivating storytelling.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526146052