Death in the Dining Room and Other Tales of Victorian Culture (American Civilization) - Hardcover

Ames, Kenneth L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0877228914 ISBN 13: 9780877228912

Publisher: Temple University Press,U.S., 1992

Synopsis

This study of the household goods of Victorian America reveals the character, conflicts and tensions within the Victorian world. Considering specific furnishings and styles, it discusses the relationship of these objects to class and gender structure and to their place in Victorian ritual.

About this title

Review:

""Ken Ames has always 'heard a different drummer.' "Death in the Diningroom" explores his unique ideas of how our home furnishings give visitors a message about our status and concerns. Why don't we own a hall tree? Why are dead birds carved on the sideboard? And why are some Victorian chairs so uncomfortable? These and other strange thoughts pop up as you read his latest, well-illustrated book.""
Ralph and Terry Kovel, authors of "Kovels' Antiques" and "Collectables Price List""

""[E]ffectively explores and articulates 'the varied tasks and roles' performed by ordinary goods in the everyday life of Victorian America, as well as the complex, contradicted elements of culture they often reveal.""
"American Quarterly""

""An eminently engaging and entertaining work by one of the pre-eminent interpreters of Victorian culture.""
"Antique Review""

"Ken Ames has always 'heard a different drummer.' Death in the Diningroom explores his unique ideas of how our home furnishings give visitors a message about our status and concerns. Why don't we own a hall tree? Why are dead birds carved on the sideboard? And why are some Victorian chairs so uncomfortable? These and other strange thoughts pop up as you read his latest, well-illustrated book."
--Ralph and Terry Kovel, authors of Kovels' Antiques and Collectables Price List

"[E]ffectively explores and articulates 'the varied tasks and roles' performed by ordinary goods in the everyday life of Victorian America, as well as the complex, contradicted elements of culture they often reveal."
--American Quarterly

"An eminently engaging and entertaining work by one of the pre-eminent interpreters of Victorian culture."
--Antique Review

About the Author:

Kenneth L. Ames is Chief of Historical and Anthropological Surveys at the New York State Museum and was formerly Chair of the Office of Advanced Studies at the Winterthur Museum.

About this edition

• Publisher: Temple University Press,U.S.
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0877228914
• ISBN 13: 9780877228912
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 280