Collecting the World

Discover the remarkable life of Hans Sloane, one of history's greatest collectors, through an enlightening biography that unveils his extraordinary journey. This B-format paperback, published in 2018 by Penguin UK, features 544 pages of rich narrative woven with historical insights into Sloane's endeavours. Born in Ireland, Sloane's medical expertise led him to serve the affluent citizens of London, but it was his travels to Jamaica in 1687 that truly changed the course of natural history. This biography highlights how Sloane curated an unparalleled collection of specimens, curiosities, and artefacts, becoming an eminent natural historian of the 18th century. His legacy includes the establishment of the British Museum, the world's first national public museum, founded on his extensive collections. This book delves into early modern science, imperial connections, and the evolution of the cabinet of curiosities into an encyclopedic museum, illustrating a pivotal moment in the history of collecting. The narrative not only commemorates Sloane’s contributions but also explores the global nature of early scientific pursuits. Perfect for history enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone intrigued by the interplay of empire, science, and culture. Enjoy FREE shipping on this captivating biography – please note, combined shipping is not available for this product. Anticipate delivery within 10 days to embrace this essential read that breathes new life into the legacy of Hans Sloane, the collector who shaped a world within the realms of natural history.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780718194437
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2018
Publisher: Penguin UK
Pages: 544


Description:
Hans Sloane was the greatest collector of his time, and one of the greatest of all time. His name is familiar today through the London streets and squares named after him, but the man himself, and his achievements, are almost forgotten.

Born in the north of Ireland, Sloane made his fortune as a physician to London's wealthiest residents. In 1687 he travelled to Jamaica, then at the heart of Britain's commercial empire, to survey its natural history, and later organised a network of correspondents who sent him curiosities from across the world. He became one of the eighteenth century's preeminent natural historians and assembled an astonishing collection of specimens, artefacts and oddities - the most famous curiosity cabinet of the age. Shortly after his death, Sloane's vast collection was then acquired - as he had hoped - by the nation. It became the nucleus of the world's first national public museum, the British Museum.

This is the first biography of Sloane in over sixty years and the first based on his surviving collections. Early modern science and collecting are shown to be global endeavours intertwined with empire and slavery but which nonetheless produced one of the great public institutions of the Enlightenment, as the cabinet of curiosities gave way to the encyclopaedic museum. Collecting the World describes this pivotal moment in the emergence of modern knowledge, and brings this totemic figure back to life.

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