Of Elephants & Roses - (Memoirs of the American Philosophical Society) by Sue Ann Prince (Paperback)

Book 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 Quotes

"Of Elephants and Roses wonderfully captures the excitement and importance of natural history in France the Revolution to the July Monarchy.... [T]his volume will undoubtedly have considerable impact on future studies."--Caroline Gillian "The British Journal for the History of Science"

"[A] stimulating, well-illustrated, and well-conceived contribution to the field that should interest both scholars and more casual reader."--Alexandra Cook "Isis"

"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."--Victoria E. Thompson "H-France"

"This formidable book offers a shining example of how art history can...begin to redefine itself as a discipline...[T]o promote useful knowledge should be the mantra of all art historians. With this book and exhibition, the American Philosophical [Society] Museum moves forward to take its rightful place among the great institutions of the world."--Laurinda Dixon "Nineteenth-Century Art Worldwide"