The Art of Taxidermy

August 12, 2013
Before it became fashionable to add preserved animals to home décor during the Victorian era, taxidermy was used as a scientific and educational tool. That approach fell out of favor, but here, journalist Eastoe (Elizabeth: Reigning in Style) persuasively argues that this underappreciated craft deserves greater respect. Opening with a photo of the oldest taxidermy piece in existence—a crocodile from the 16th century—Eastoe traces the practice’s evolution with well-chosen examples. Yes, there are jackalopes and walls lined with hunting trophies, but the lavishly illustrated book also features whimsical fencing mice and a riot of over 300 hummingbirds in a glass enclosure to show the breadth of some taxidermists’ work. Rather than dwell on the process or attempt to catalogue the wide variety of animals she’s found on display, Eastoe chooses to highlight some of the craft’s key contributors, such as Rowland Ward and William Temple Hornaday, whose disgust at the decimation of American buffalo herds led him to produce displays of the animals that ultimately led to the creation of a national park. Closing with an appreciation for current taxidermists (many of them artists), Eastoe does a terrific job of highlighting the thoughtfulness and creativity behind a craft often dismissed as kitschy or creepy. Illus.

November 15, 2013

Here Eastoe (National Trust Book of the Countryside; Wild Food: Foraging for Food in the Wild) examines the history of taxidermy as well as its use in the modern world. Five chapters chronicle art; the book also includes an appendix on the process and a list of resources. The lack of an index is unfortunate, as inclusion of one would have made this title much more useful to students. Numerous large-size photographs complement the readable and concise text. Addressing an art inexorably connected with death, the author does not shy from the topic and handles it in a respectful fashion. Historical discussion sheds light on the use of taxidermy specimens in museum displays and scientific study and classification. Some of the more modern images may be disturbing to some readers but thought-provoking to others. Those interested in taxidermy, as well as students of museum studies, collecting, or the history of scientific study will enjoy this text. However, it is hard to imagine a wider audience for this work. VERDICT Not recommended for any but the largest public libraries. Academic libraries with collections in art history, history of science, or museum studies may find this volume a worthwhile purchase.--Jennifer Naimzadeh, Richland Lib., Columbia, SC

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