History of the zoo

Author: (French) Balthazar
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-09-01
Features: A captivating history of culture and architecture! "The Independent" (France) annual best book award" Review
The illustrated "History of the Zoo" provides many precious and exquisite illustrations and photographs, while also exploring the complex attitudes of human society toward animal captivity. This work is rigorous and brilliant, deeply analyzing an increasingly debated issue. "Royal Institute of British Architects Journal"
From the 16th-century imperial and villa zoos to the modern zoos in today's cities, this comprehensive and enchanting book takes us on a journey through the long history of zoos. "The Times" (UK)
A rich and detailed work. If you are interested in the history of zoos, or fascinated by the changing history of the relationship between humans and animal companions, this is definitely a must-read. "New Scientist" (UK)
Through the cages of the zoo, we can perceive every aspect of the complex relationship between humans and nature: exclusion and obsession; the desire to exploit, dominate, and understand; the recognition of the complexity and uniqueness of multiple life forms, and so on. Therefore, the story of this microcosm is intertwined with the grand history of colonialism, ethnocentrism, and natural exploration; with the cruelty in human relationships and the impact of the progress of civilization on morality and behavior; with the birth of memorial places such as museums; with the complexity of social behavior; and also with the development and changes of leisure activities. To visit the cages of the zoo is to understand the human society that gave birth to these cages.