Description
Discover the captivating tale of 'Obaysch: A Hippopotamus in Victorian London,' which explores the extraordinary life of Obaysch, the first hippopotamus to grace the London Zoo. This 2019 release from Sydney University Press, printed in an elegant A5 size Tankobon format, chronicles the sensational journey of a baby hippopotamus who sparked a cultural phenomenon in 1850. As the first of his kind in Europe since the Roman Empire, Obaysch's arrival heralded an age of 'Hippomania' that doubled zoo visitors and captured public fascination.
In this enlightening narrative, author John Simons immerses readers in the historic context surrounding Obaysch's capture and his subsequent fame. He thoughtfully examines the concept of a 'star' animal and delves into the elements that contributed to Obaysch's celebrity status, while highlighting the Victorian era's complex relationship with exotic animals and the British Empire's expansion into sub-Saharan Africa. 'Obaysch: A Hippopotamus in Victorian London' stands out as an engaging academic work that appeals to both scholars and casual readers alike, infused with humor and heartfelt moments.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9781743325865. Format: A5 size Tankobon. Year: 2019. Publisher: Sydney University Press.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781743325865
Format: A5 size Tankobon
Year: 2019
Publisher: Sydney University Press
Description:
Obaysch: A Hippopotamus in Victorian London is the story of Obaysch the hippopotamus, the first 'star' animal to be exhibited in the London Zoo.
In 1850, a baby hippopotamus arrived on English shores, allegedly the first in Europe since the Roman Empire, and almost certainly the first in Europe since prehistoric times. Captured near an island from which he took his name, Obaysch was donated by the viceroy of Egypt in exchange for greyhounds and deerhounds. His arrival was greeted with a wave of 'Hippomania', doubling the number of visitors to the zoo.
Uncovering the circumstances of Obaysch's capture and exhibition, John Simons investigates the notion of a 'star' animal, as well as the cultural value that Obaysch, and the other hippos who joined him over the following few years, accumulated. This book also delves into the historical context of Obaysch and his audience, considering the relationship between Victorian attitudes to hippopotami and the expansion of the British Empire into sub-Saharan Africa.
'Obaysch: A Hippopotamus in Victorian Londonis a fine example of how an academic book can work for a general readership...it is over and above an accessible, intelligent, charming, sometimes funny, sometimes sad account of Obaysch.'— Stephen Romei, The Australian
In this enlightening narrative, author John Simons immerses readers in the historic context surrounding Obaysch's capture and his subsequent fame. He thoughtfully examines the concept of a 'star' animal and delves into the elements that contributed to Obaysch's celebrity status, while highlighting the Victorian era's complex relationship with exotic animals and the British Empire's expansion into sub-Saharan Africa. 'Obaysch: A Hippopotamus in Victorian London' stands out as an engaging academic work that appeals to both scholars and casual readers alike, infused with humor and heartfelt moments.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9781743325865. Format: A5 size Tankobon. Year: 2019. Publisher: Sydney University Press.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781743325865
Format: A5 size Tankobon
Year: 2019
Publisher: Sydney University Press
Description:
Obaysch: A Hippopotamus in Victorian London is the story of Obaysch the hippopotamus, the first 'star' animal to be exhibited in the London Zoo.
In 1850, a baby hippopotamus arrived on English shores, allegedly the first in Europe since the Roman Empire, and almost certainly the first in Europe since prehistoric times. Captured near an island from which he took his name, Obaysch was donated by the viceroy of Egypt in exchange for greyhounds and deerhounds. His arrival was greeted with a wave of 'Hippomania', doubling the number of visitors to the zoo.
Uncovering the circumstances of Obaysch's capture and exhibition, John Simons investigates the notion of a 'star' animal, as well as the cultural value that Obaysch, and the other hippos who joined him over the following few years, accumulated. This book also delves into the historical context of Obaysch and his audience, considering the relationship between Victorian attitudes to hippopotami and the expansion of the British Empire into sub-Saharan Africa.
'Obaysch: A Hippopotamus in Victorian Londonis a fine example of how an academic book can work for a general readership...it is over and above an accessible, intelligent, charming, sometimes funny, sometimes sad account of Obaysch.'— Stephen Romei, The Australian