New Books in Animal Studies
Whitney Barlow Robles, "Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History" (Yale UP, 2023)
Sep 13, 2024
Whitney Barlow Robles is an author and historian whose work dives into the profound impact animals have had on natural history. She discusses fascinating concepts like how corals build worlds and rattlesnakes' mystical charm. Robles connects 18th-century scientific explorations with current environmental issues, emphasizing the importance of understanding human-animal relationships. With personal anecdotes, she highlights untold histories, gender dynamics, and the colonial legacies that shape contemporary ecological thought.
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes that specific animals, like raccoons and rattlesnakes, significantly challenged Enlightenment taxonomy and human dominance in natural history.
- Whitney Barlow Robles highlights the importance of personal narratives in historical inquiry, illustrating how researchers' experiences deepen our understanding of animal complexities.
Deep dives
Interconnections Between Animals and Natural History
The podcast discusses how specific animals played a crucial role in shaping natural history during the 18th century. It highlights four main animal protagonists—raccoons, rattlesnakes, corals, and fish—and explores their unique contributions to the development of taxonomy. The focus on these animals reveals the intricate relationship between non-human beings and early naturalists, showcasing how their complexities often resisted straightforward classification. This interplay underscores that understanding the natural world requires acknowledging the rich histories and characteristics of individual species rather than viewing them solely as subjects for human mastery.
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