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A Glorious Enterprise: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and the Making of American Science
Contributor(s): Peck, Robert McCracken (Author), Stroud, Patricia Tyson (Author), Purcell, Rosamond (Photographer)

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ISBN: 0812243803     ISBN-13: 9780812243802
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press
OUR PRICE: $90.25  

Binding Type: Hardcover - See All Available Formats & Editions
Published: March 2012
Qty:
Temporarily out of stock - Will ship within 2 to 5 weeks
Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Science | History
- Science | Life Sciences - Biology
Dewey: 508.748
LCCN: 2011034991
Physical Information: 1.8" H x 10" W x 12.3" L (7.00 lbs) 464 pages
Themes:
- Chronological Period - 19th Century
- Chronological Period - 20th Century
- Locality - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Geographic Orientation - Pennsylvania
Features: Dust Cover, Illustrated, Index, Price on Product, Table of Contents
Review Citations: Choice 11/01/2012
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:

Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia stands today as the oldest natural history museum in the Western hemisphere. Early expeditions organized at the Academy were of central importance to the exploration of America's western wilderness, and the plant and animal specimens that were brought back formed the foundation of a collection that today contains some eighteen million items. What began as a small gathering of devoted amateurs has grown into a vibrant international center for scientific education and research.

A Glorious Enterprise, the first complete history of the Academy, tells the story of the brilliant and passionate men and women who endeavored to acquire and disseminate knowledge of the natural world. Thomas Jefferson, John James Audubon, Robert Peary, Ernest Hemingway, and James Bond are just a few of the colorful Academy associates profiled in this lively narrative. Naturalist and historian Robert McCracken Peck and historical biographer Patricia Tyson Stroud take readers behind the scenes of the Academy, recounting the signal moments and achievements that shaped its first two hundred years--from its landmark discoveries in North America and around the world, through the construction of its famed dioramas in the 1930s, to the pioneering work of Academy scientists in water pollution and conservation long before these were topics of popular concern. The book is richly illustrated throughout with hundreds of archival images and stunningly original works by acclaimed photographer Rosamond Purcell that cast specimens from the Academy's collections in a new light.

Like Academy members on a quest for wondrous specimens, lovers of the sciences, American history, museums, and libraries will want to add A Glorious Enterprise to their collections. Filled with lively anecdotes, captivating biographical details, and fascinating facts, this beautiful and enlightening history will be treasured for years to come.

 
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