Nature's Memory : Behind the Scenes at the World’s Natural History Museums by Jack Ashby 9780241656884

Nature's Memory : Behind the Scenes at the World’s Natural History Museums

£25.00 GBP
£25.00 GBP
Nature's Memory: Behind the Scenes at the World’s Natural History Museums by zoologist Jack Ashby takes you on an exhilarating...
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Nature's Memory: Behind the Scenes at the World’s Natural History Museums by zoologist Jack Ashby takes you on an exhilarating journey into the heart of the world's greatest natural history museums. This riveting exploration unveils the hidden secrets of these institutions and their vital role in combating climate change.

In Nature's Memory, Ashby provides an engaging overview of extraordinary collections—from magnificent mounted whale skeletons to delicate insect cabinets—while challenging perceptions of the natural world as presented by curators. He reveals how the exhibits, designed to inspire awe, often reflect biases of their creators rather than the true essence of the species they represent.

  • Uncover Hidden Histories: Discover how natural history museums have historically showcased certain narratives while neglecting others, especially regarding their colonial pasts.
  • Museums as Change Agents: Ashby argues that these institutions can reshape society in meaningful ways, particularly in addressing biodiversity loss.
  • Rich Insights: Weave through entertaining anecdotes, fresh historical research, and zoological trivia drawn from Ashby’s distinguished career.

Despite the challenges, Ashby presents a hopeful outlook, illuminating the potential of natural history museums as indispensable resources in the fight against climate catastrophe. Nature's Memory is a delightful homage to the unique charm and planet-saving promise of these beloved institutions, making it a must-read for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Product Information

ISBN: 9780241656884
Author: Jack Ashby
Format: Hardback
Imprint: Allen Lane
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Dimensions: 241 x 164 x 29 mm
Publication Date: 24 April, 2025
Pagination: 336 pages
Weight: 540g

Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.

We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.

Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’

Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.

We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.

Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’

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