The Ocean at Home

by Brunner, Bernd; Slapp, Ashley Marc

• ISBN13: 9781861898166
• ISBN10: 1861898169
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-05-15
• Publisher: Reaktion Books

Summary

The mysterious world beneath the ocean's surface and its inhabitants have captivated humanity for centuriesthe Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and ancient Chinese all kept fish in their homes to observe and admire. But it was not until the nineteenth-century invention of the aquarium that the deep was truly domesticated, offering the curious a chance to create an indoor exotic sea world, in miniature. InThe Ocean at Home, Bernd Brunner traces the development of the aquarium from the Victorian era to the present day. Along the way, in this fascinating history, Brunner provides insight into the cultural and social circumstances that accompanied the aquarium's swift rise in popularity. Brunner tells a compelling story of obsession, discovery, and delightfrom the aquarium's origin as a tool for scientific observation to the Victorian era's elaborately decorated containers of curiosity, to the great public aquariums that are popular in cities around the world today. Featuring more than 100 illustrations, this updated edition ofThe Ocean at Homeoffers a colorful and captivating look at how a Victorian obsession still enchants many today. Both the owner of a humble goldfish bowl and the dazzled spectator at major public aquariums will findThe Ocean at Homean appealing and knowledgable guide to the aquatic worlds we create.