The Aurelian Legacy: British Butterflies and Their Collectors - Hardcover

Salmon, Michael A.; Marren, Peter; Harley, Basil

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0520229630 ISBN 13: 9780520229631

Publisher: University of California Press, 2001

Synopsis

This entertaining and informative book traces the history of butterfly collection in Britain from the seventeenth century, when the study of natural history had its beginnings. Our knowledge of butterflies is the result of four hundred years of collection and study. However, butterfly collecting is a controversial subject today, and given the present state of butterfly populations, indiscriminate gathering of specimens can no longer be justified.

In addition to giving a history of butterfly collecting in Britain, this beautifully illustrated volume describes the equipment used and gives brief biographies of 101 deceased lepidopterists. The book is generously laced with anecdotes and quotations, and includes many contemporary monochrome portraits, accounts of selected species of historical interest, and an appraisal of the effects of collecting and of current conservation policies. Appendixes list all the British and Irish butterflies with their earlier, often confusing, and sometimes fanciful vernacular names, and provide a chronological account of entomological societies, publications, and significant events in the canon of British entomology.

The Aurelian Legacy is a fascinating account of the men and women who have made valuable contributions to our knowledge of British butterflies and of their early and often complex history. It is not only a good read but also an excellent reference source for current and future lepidopterists as well as social historians.

About this title

Product Description

The Aurelian Legacy This entertaining and informative book traces the history of butterfly collection in Britain from the 17th century, when the study of natural history had its beginnings. Laced with anecdotes and quotations, the beautifully illustrated volume describes the equipment used and gives brief biographies of 101 deceased lepidopterists. 58 illustrations, 42 in color. Full description

Review

"What can one say about such a beautiful and informative book? It is difficult to express in words what a remarkable publication it is and at such a low price." - W. G. Tremewan, "Entomologist s Gazette" "This information-packed but highly readable account of 300 years of British lepidoptery, practised largely by amateurs, is a must-read for butterfly afficionados and social historians alike." - "Nature" "an extraordinarily readable, accessible and fascinating account of a subculture that has never before been championed in a work for the public. It is a riveting and remarkable book." - Gaden Robinson, "Times Literary Supplement" "This is as splendid a volume as one might hope or wish for ... " - John Fowles, "The Spectator""

What can one say about such a beautiful and informative book? It is difficult to express in words what a remarkable publication it is and at such a low price. - W. G. Tremewan, Entomologist's Gazette This information-packed but highly readable account of 300 years of British lepidoptery, practised largely by amateurs, is a must-read for butterfly afficionados and social historians alike. - Nature an extraordinarily readable, accessible and fascinating account of a subculture that has never before been championed in a work for the public. It is a riveting and remarkable book. - Gaden Robinson, Times Literary Supplement This is as splendid a volume as one might hope or wish for ... - John Fowles, The Spectator

About this edition

• Publisher: University of California Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0520229630
• ISBN 13: 9780520229631
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 432