Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History
Can corals build worlds? Do rattlesnakes enchant? What is a raccoon, and what might it know? Animals and the questions they raised thwarted human efforts to master nature during the so-called Enlightenment—a historical moment when rigid classification pervaded the study of natural history, people traded in people, and imperial avarice wrapped its tentacles around the globe. Whitney Barlow Robles makes animals the unruly protagonists of eighteenth-century science through journeys to four spaces and ecological zones: the ocean, the underground, the curiosity cabinet, and the field. Her forays reveal a forgotten lineage of empirical inquiry, one that forced researchers to embrace uncertainty. This tumultuous era in the history of human-animal encounters still haunts modern biologists and ecologists as they struggle to fathom animals today. In an eclectic fusion of history and nature writing, Robles alternates between careful historical investigations and probing personal narratives. These excavations of the past and present of distinct nonhuman creatures reveal the animal foundations of human knowledge and show why tackling our current environmental crisis first requires looking back in time.
A Riveting Exploration of Animal Agency in Scientific Inquiry
Introduction: In the thought-provoking and meticulously researched book, "Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History" by Whitney Barlow Robles, readers are taken on a captivating journey through the often-overlooked role of animals in shaping the field of natural history during the tumultuous era of the Enlightenment. Robles skillfully weaves together historical narratives and personal reflections to present a compelling argument for reevaluating our understanding of the relationships between humans and animals, shedding light on the intricate ways in which animals have influenced the course of scientific inquiry.
Animals as Unruly Protagonists: Robles boldly positions animals as the unruly protagonists of eighteenth-century science, challenging the conventional narrative that often places humans at the center of historical and scientific developments. Through vivid explorations of four distinct spaces and ecological zones—the ocean, the underground, the curiosity cabinet, and the field—she unfolds a forgotten lineage of empirical inquiry that forced researchers to grapple with uncertainty. This perspective introduces a refreshing and much-needed reconsideration of the human-animal dynamic during a pivotal moment in history.
The Forgotten Lineage of Empirical Inquiry: At the heart of "Curious Species" is the revelation of a forgotten lineage of empirical inquiry that emerged during the Enlightenment. As rigid classifications and imperial pursuits dominated the study of natural history, animals became both subjects and obstacles, thwarting human attempts to master nature. Robles deftly demonstrates how animals posed challenging questions, compelling scientists to embrace uncertainty and acknowledge the limits of human knowledge.
Eclectic Fusion of History and Nature Writing: Robles's narrative style is an eclectic fusion of history and nature writing, seamlessly blending careful historical investigations with probing personal narratives. This dual approach not only brings historical events to life but also invites readers to engage with the author's reflections on her own encounters with the natural world. The result is a rich and immersive reading experience that bridges the gap between academic scholarship and accessible storytelling.
Environmental Relevance: "Curious Species" is not merely a retrospective exploration; it is a call to action. Robles draws connections between the Enlightenment era and contemporary challenges, highlighting the relevance of understanding the animal foundations of human knowledge for tackling today's environmental crises. By looking back in time, the book encourages modern biologists and ecologists to reconsider their approaches to studying and preserving the natural world.
Conclusion: Whitney Barlow Robles's "Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History" is a thought-provoking and innovative exploration that challenges traditional narratives about the Enlightenment era and the study of natural history. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Robles places animals at the forefront of scientific inquiry, urging readers to rethink their relationships with the natural world. This book is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of history, science, and the ongoing environmental challenges that define our present and future.
How can you read this book?
Click these simple buttons to read this book today.
You may like these books... Buy now!
|
|
|
Whitney Barlow Robles, Writer, Historian, and Curator 
Writer, Historian, and Curator in the World of Natural History
Whitney Barlow Robles is a distinguished writer, historian, and curator with a passion for exploring the captivating history of natural history. Currently serving as a Visiting Scholar in the Department of History at Dartmouth College, Whitney has dedicated her career to unraveling the intricate stories of science, the environment, and the often-overlooked nonhuman characters that have shaped our understanding of the natural world.
Academic Journey:
Whitney's academic journey led her to earn her Ph.D. in American Studies from Harvard University in 2019. Her doctoral dissertation, titled "Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History, 1700–1820," laid the groundwork for her exploration into the intersection of science, culture, and the environment. She also holds an A.M. in History from Harvard and a B.A. in American Studies from Yale University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Distinction in the major.
Pioneering Research:
As a prolific scholar, Whitney has delved into various aspects of natural history, producing thought-provoking publications. Her book, "Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History," published by Yale University Press in November 2023, is a groundbreaking work that combines history, modern voyage tales, and personal narratives. The book explores how creatures like corals, rattlesnakes, fish, and raccoons have played pivotal roles in shaping the field of natural history, with lasting consequences for today's environmental challenges.
Digital Exhibition and Curatorial Work:
Whitney serves as the curator of a Mellon-funded digital exhibition titled "The Kitchen in the Cabinet: Histories of Food and Science." This innovative project uncovers the historical connections between food and natural science, highlighting the stories of preserved food artifacts within scientific collections. A testament to her interdisciplinary approach, the exhibition demonstrates how seemingly unrelated elements are intricately linked in the tapestry of natural history.
Recognition and Support:
Whitney's dedication to her research has been recognized and supported by prestigious institutions, including the American Historical Association, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution, and the American Antiquarian Society, among others.
Educator and Mentor:
In addition to her scholarly pursuits, Whitney is actively involved in teaching and mentorship. As a Postdoctoral Fellow in Dartmouth College's Society of Fellows, she contributes to shaping the academic experiences of emerging scholars.
Multifaceted Background:
Whitney's journey into the world of natural history writing is enriched by her diverse experiences. She served as a science editor for a global health laboratory at Caltech, where she explored topics ranging from firefly sex to terraforming Mars. Her time as a writer and editor at the American Museum of Natural History in New York further fueled her passion for storytelling in the realm of science.
Personal Life:
Residing outside Raleigh, North Carolina, Whitney shares her home with her husband, daughter, a calico cat, guard lizards, and the occasional palmetto bug. Her unique blend of academic rigor, storytelling prowess, and genuine curiosity continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of natural history.
For more insights into Whitney Barlow Robles's work, you can visit her official website: www.whitneybarlowrobles.com.
Comments