The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination
Language: English
Published by Harvard University Press, 1997
- Hardcover
- Used
Seller: Goodwill Books, Hillsboro, OR, U.S.A.Goodwill Books
AbeBooks seller since August 25, 2000
Condition: Used - Fair
£ 3.19
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Fairly worn, but readable and intact. If applicable: Dust jacket, disc or access code may not be included.
Seller Inventory # GICWV.0674673573.A
- Title
- The Platypus and the Mermaid: And Other Figments of the Classifying Imagination
- Author
- Ritvo, Harriet
- Publisher
- Harvard University Press
- Publication year
- 1997
- Condition
- acceptable
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0674673573
- ISBN 13
- 9780674673571
- Edition
- 2nd Edition
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review
ÝAn¨ entertaining and often hilarious story of how 19th-century scientists and philosophers tried to come to terms with the complex problem of classifying living things...The subject is of enduring interest and the book is the first I have encountered that deals with it so thoroughly and accurately. -- Harry Miller "Times Higher Education Supplement"
ÝAn¨ engaging, offbeat book..."The Platypus and the Mermaid" is a study of a wide range of classificatory practices in Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Ritvo is particularly interested in the interplay between learned and popular writing...I have thoroughly enjoyed Ritvo's entertaining and informative tour of both the highroads and the hedgerows of natural history. -- Stefan Collini "New York Times Book Review"
ÝRitvo's¨ learning is wide and unusual, her book a bran tub stuffed with obscure authors and diverse beliefs, where science mingles with prejudice, and sense with silliness...The huge range of out-of-the-way evidence that Ritvo brings to bear on her theme is impressive and absorbing...ÝThe book¨ explores the fascinating question of how far we shape language to fit our behavior and how far language shapes us. -- Richard Jenkyns "New York Review of Books"
embedded in the scientific doctrines she surveys.
animals, making for thought-provoking and entertaining reading.
book is the first I have encountered that deals with it so thoroughly and accurately.
make this an essential classic for all those interested in the wider issues of taxonomy.
[Ritvo's] is an entertaining and enormously informative book. I can only join the chorus.
culture [and] is a compelling reminder of the politics and prejudice that fired the classifying imagination.
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Goodwill Books
Hillsboro, OR, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since August 25, 2000
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