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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination
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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination Hardback - 1997

by Harriet Ritvo

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From the publisher

Cats is 'dogs', and rabbits is 'dogs', and so's parrots; but this 'ere 'tortis' is a insect, a porter explains to an astonished traveler in a 19th-century Punch cartoon. Railways were not the only British institution to schematize the world. This book aims to capture the fervor of the Victorian age for classifying and categorizing every new specimen, plant or animal, that British explorers and soldiers and sailors brought home. As she depicts a whole complex of competing groups deploying rival schemes and nomenclatures, Harriet Ritvo shows us a society drawing and redrawing its own boundaries and ultimately identifying itself.

From the rear cover

This book captures the fervor of the Victorian age for classifying and categorizing every new specimen, plant or animal, that British explorers and soldiers and sailors brought home. As she depicts a whole complex of competing groups deploying rival schemes and nomenclatures, Harriet Ritvo shows us a society drawing and redrawing its own boundaries and ultimately identifying itself. A thoroughly absorbing account of taxonomy - as zoological classification and as anthropological study - The Platypus and the Mermaid offers a new perspective on the constantly shifting, ever suggestive interactions of scientific lore, cultural ideas, and the popular imagination.

Details

  • Title The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination
  • Author Harriet Ritvo
  • Binding Hardback
  • Edition Second Printing
  • Pages 288
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Harvard University Press, Cambridge
  • Publication date 1997-10
  • ISBN 9780674673571 / 0674673573
  • Weight 1.18 lbs (0.54 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.47 x 6.37 x 0.95 in (24.05 x 16.18 x 2.41 cm)
  • Category History - General History
  • Library of Congress subjects Popular culture - Great Britain - History -, Popular culture - Great Britain - History -
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 97000405
  • Dewey Decimal Code 590.12
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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination
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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

by Ritvo, Harriet

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The Platypus & the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination
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The Platypus & the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

by Ritvo, Harriet

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Harvard University Press, 1997. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. Dust jacket in fair condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,650grams, ISBN:9780674673571
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The Platypus and the Mermaid : And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

The Platypus and the Mermaid : And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

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The Platypus and the Mermaid : And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

The Platypus and the Mermaid : And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

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The Platypus and the Mermaid : And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

The Platypus and the Mermaid : And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

by Harriet Ritvo

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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination
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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

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Harvard University Press, 10/31/1997. Hardcover. Used; Very Good. **WE SHIP WITHIN 24 HRS FROM LONDON, UK, 98% OF OUR ORDERS ARE RECEIVED WITHIN 7-10 DAYS. We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination
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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

by Ritvo, Harriet

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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination
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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

by Ritvo, Harriet

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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination
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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

by Ritvo, Harriet

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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination
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The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination

by Ritvo, Harriet

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780674673571 / 0674673573
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Harvard University Press, 1997-10-01. Hardcover. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title!
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