The Tiger that swallowed the boy: exotic animals in Victorian England

John Simons

Research output: Book/ReportBookpeer-review

Abstract

Looking at zoological gardens, private menageries, circuses, and natural history museums, this fascinating account explores the surprising extent of the exotic-animal trade in 19th-century England and its colonies. Filled with entertaining anecdotes--from the tiger that prowled down St. George's Street in London with a boy in its mouth and the polar bear that killed a dog in Liverpool to the kangaroos hopping around the lawns of stately homes and the boa constrictor who got loose in Tunbridge Wells--this book also shares how the animals played a key role in the project to ensure that leisure was educational. As it demonstrates how the trade was intimately connected with the tides of Empire, it will be of interest to academics and general readers alike.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationOxfordshire, UK
PublisherLibri Publishing
Number of pages196
ISBN (Print)9781907471711
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Keywords

  • England--Social conditions--19th century
  • England--Social conditions--1066-1485
  • England--Social life and customs

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