Description
Book SynopsisVictorian Britain was full of excitement and debate about the new scientific ideas. In Science in Wonderland, Melanie Keene shows how Victorian writers used the medium of the fairy tale to bring chemistry, entomology, palaeontology, and evolution to young audiences.
Trade ReviewAnyone interested in the ample curiosities of Victorian culture qill find much stimulation here. * Nicolas Popper, The Times Literary Supplement *
The volume is clearly well researched, and Keene brings together a multitude of sources. Recommended. * S. Bernardo, CHOICE *
well-researched * Chemistry & Industry *
delightful first book.. warm and lively prose * The Lancet, Richard Barnett *
a truly thought-provoking book * Cotswold Life *
intriguing book * Engineering and Technology, Dominic Lenton *
The illustrations are rather brilliant * Independent, Lucy Scholes *
Keene's material is fascinating * Financial Times, Suzi Feay *
light-footed and intriguing study... What Keene has assembled is beautifully odd * Scotland on Sunday, Stuart Kelly *
Certainly an interesting topic * Popular Science, Brian Clegg *
The truth here is that the book is a remarkable piece of historical research that might interest several audiences beyond the specialized area of history of science and chemistry. * Agusti Nieto-Galan, AMBIX *
this book is a beautifully researched and thrilling treasure trove of texts and images. * Adelene Buckland, Archives of Natural History *
Science in Wonderland presents a highly informative and engaging read. Given the wealth of information it provides, it will be useful to scholars and enthusiasts with an interest in the nineteenth century, children's culture and popular science. * Nada Kujundic, IRSCL: International Research Society for Children's Literature *
A fascinating merging of science, history, and literature ... an accessible introduction to a fascinating aspect of Victorian children's culture. * Jennifer Harrison, IRSCL: International Research Society for Children's Literature *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Nothing But Facts? ; 1. Once Upon a Time ; 2. Real Fairy Folk ; 3. Domestic Fairylands ; 4. Wonderlands of Evolution ; 5. Through Magic Glasses ; 6. Technological Marvels ; Conclusion: Stranger Than Fiction ; Notes ; References ; Index
