Subjects
Science and Eccentricity:
Collecting, Writing and Performing Science for Early Nineteenth-Century Audiences
Victoria Carroll
Science and Culture in the Nineteenth Century
978 1 85196 940 1: 234x156mm: £60.00/$99.00
978 1 85196 582 3
The concept of eccentricity was central to how people in the nineteenth century understood their world. This monograph is the first scholarly history of eccentricity. Carroll explores how discourses of eccentricity were established to make sense of individuals who did not seem to fit within an increasingly organized social and economic order. She focuses on the self-taught natural philosopher William Martin, the fossilist Thomas Hawkins and the taxidermist Charles Waterton.
Sample pages
Readership
History of Science and Medicine, Nineteeth-Century Studies
Contents
Introduction
1 Defining eccentricity
2 Performing eccentricity: William Martin and the world turned upside down
3 ‘Beyond the pale of ordinary criticism’: Eccentric writing and the works of Thomas Hawkins
4 Eccentricity on display: Charles Waterton as collector and specimen
Conclusion
Reviews
'Recommended.'
– CHOICE
'Science and Eccentricity is a lavishly illustrated, well-written book on a fascinating topic.'
– Laurie Garrison, British Society for Literature and Science
(read the full review here)
'Carroll persuasively establishes the historical specificity of eccentricity to nineteenth-century scientific, literary, and popular culture, as well as the formative way eccentricity functioned in relation to scientific disciplines'
– Rachel A Bowser, History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences
'... original and engaging ... Caroll's book makes a compelling case for the historical investigation of these figures.'
– Alice Jenkins, History Today
'... this highly creative and easily readable work offers us a new and insightful series of categories for historical analysis and research.'
– Sharrona Pearl, ISIS
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