Tortoise

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Nature, Reptiles & Amphibians, Art & Architecture, General Art
Cover of the book Tortoise by Peter Young, Reaktion Books
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Author: Peter Young ISBN: 9781861895042
Publisher: Reaktion Books Publication: April 4, 2004
Imprint: Reaktion Books Language: English
Author: Peter Young
ISBN: 9781861895042
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Publication: April 4, 2004
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Language: English

Tortoise is the first cultural history of these long-lived and intriguing creatures, which have existed for more than 200 million years. The book covers tortoises worldwide, in evolution, myth and reality, ranging across paleontology, natural history, myth, folklore, art forms, literature, veterinary medicine and trade regulations.

The tortoise has been seen as an Atlas-like creature supporting the world, as the origin of music and as a philosophical paradox. Peter Young examines the tortoise in all these guises, as well as a military tactical formation, its exploitation by mariners and others for food, as ornament (in tortoiseshell), as a motif in art, and in space research. He looks at the movement away from exploitation to conservation and even the uses of the tortoise in advertising. As well as examples of species, illustrations from around the world include monuments, sculptures, coins, stamps, objets d’art, drawings, cartoons, advertisements and X-rays.

The book will appeal not only to tortoise lovers but also to readers of cultural histories around the world.

"Peter Young’s Tortoise, on the other claw, can be warmly recommended."—Jonathan Bate, The Times

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Tortoise is the first cultural history of these long-lived and intriguing creatures, which have existed for more than 200 million years. The book covers tortoises worldwide, in evolution, myth and reality, ranging across paleontology, natural history, myth, folklore, art forms, literature, veterinary medicine and trade regulations.

The tortoise has been seen as an Atlas-like creature supporting the world, as the origin of music and as a philosophical paradox. Peter Young examines the tortoise in all these guises, as well as a military tactical formation, its exploitation by mariners and others for food, as ornament (in tortoiseshell), as a motif in art, and in space research. He looks at the movement away from exploitation to conservation and even the uses of the tortoise in advertising. As well as examples of species, illustrations from around the world include monuments, sculptures, coins, stamps, objets d’art, drawings, cartoons, advertisements and X-rays.

The book will appeal not only to tortoise lovers but also to readers of cultural histories around the world.

"Peter Young’s Tortoise, on the other claw, can be warmly recommended."—Jonathan Bate, The Times

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