Ever wonder about this history of taxidermy or what goes on behind the scenes at a museum? This summer why not explore the world of museums and pick up one of these fun, informative, and thought-provoking books. What are some of your favorite museum reads?
“Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy” by Melissa Milgrom (2010)
From early explorer-collected skins stuffed with sawdust and random bones, through the spectacular museum dioramas of the 1930s and the minimalist displays of today, journalist Milgrom takes us deep inside the workrooms – and into the minds, hearts, and motivation – of some of the world’s most under-appreciated artisans: taxidermists.
From early explorer-collected skins stuffed with sawdust and random bones, through the spectacular museum dioramas of the 1930s and the minimalist displays of today, journalist Milgrom takes us deep inside the workrooms – and into the minds, hearts, and motivation – of some of the world’s most under-appreciated artisans: taxidermists.
“Dry Storeroom No. 1: The Secret Life of theNatural History Museum” by Richard A. Fortey (2008)
The amazing Natural History Museum in London is the creation of painstaking research, unique people and extraordinary times. Author Fortey describes the passions and persistence that lead to this mind-bogglingly complex edifice.
The amazing Natural History Museum in London is the creation of painstaking research, unique people and extraordinary times. Author Fortey describes the passions and persistence that lead to this mind-bogglingly complex edifice.
“Rogue’s Gallery: The Secret History of the Moguls and the Money That Made the Metropolitan Museum” by Michael Gross (2009)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art boasts a gorgeous collection of fabulous works. In this unauthorized look at the museum’s entire 130-plus years in existence, author Gross describes the motley crew that came together to put that collection together; including not only America’s wealthiest of the Gilded Age, but forgers, looters, artists and crooks.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art boasts a gorgeous collection of fabulous works. In this unauthorized look at the museum’s entire 130-plus years in existence, author Gross describes the motley crew that came together to put that collection together; including not only America’s wealthiest of the Gilded Age, but forgers, looters, artists and crooks.
“The Museum Book: A Guide to Strange and Wonderful Collections” by Jan Mark (2007)
Children will be intrigued – and adults entertained – by this nicely illustrated answer to the question, “What is a museum?” Colorful and quirky samples of the world’s museums abound, amply displaying the varied history of collections.
Children will be intrigued – and adults entertained – by this nicely illustrated answer to the question, “What is a museum?” Colorful and quirky samples of the world’s museums abound, amply displaying the varied history of collections.
Posted by Peg Boettcher
