Publisher Description

The mysterious world beneath the ocean's surface and its inhabitants have captivated humanity for centuries—the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and ancient Chinese all kept fish in their homes to observe and admire. But it was not until the nineteenth-century invention of the aquarium that the deep was truly domesticated, offering the curious a chance to create an indoor exotic sea world, in miniature.

In "The Ocean at Home," Bernd Brunner traces the development of the aquarium from the Victorian era to the present day. Along the way, in this fascinating history, Brunner provides insight into the cultural and social circumstances that accompanied the aquarium's swift rise in popularity. Brunner tells a compelling story of obsession, discovery, and delight—from the aquarium's origin as a tool for scientific observation to the Victorian era's elaborately decorated containers of curiosity, to the great public aquariums that are popular in cities around the world today.

Featuring more than 100 illustrations, this updated edition of "The Ocean at Home" offers a colorful and captivating look at how a Victorian obsession still enchants many today. Both the owner of a humble goldfish bowl and the dazzled spectator at major public aquariums will find "The Ocean at Home" an appealing and knowledgable guide to the aquatic worlds we create.

Notes

A fascinating history of the aquarium, tracing its development, and giving insight into cultural and social circumstances that accompanied its swift rise in popularity. With more than 100 illustrations, it offers a window into a peculiarly Victorian obsession that still captivates many today.

Author Biography

Bernd Brunner is a Berlin-based writer. He is the author of Bears: A Brief History (2007), Moon: A Brief History (2010), and has written extensively for print and television.

Table of Contents

Prologue: Dive In 1. The First Seed: The Secret of the Ocean 2. The Second Seed: Chambers, Cabinets, Cases 3. The Third Seed: Pet Fish 4. 'Passion and Diligence': Pioneers 5. 'A Strong, Intensive Desire': The Propagandist 6. From Salt- to Freshwater Aquarium: The Lake in a Glass 7. Arriving in the United States: Aquarist Societies and Museums 8. Exotic Species and Transport: Diverging Beliefs 9. Fashion Show: The Typology of Parlour Aquariums 10. 'A New Kind of Theatre': The Large Aquariums 11. From Aquarium to Oceanarium and Beyond 12. The Dark Underside of the Aquarium Epilogue: Are Fish Really Meant to Be in a Box? Appendix: An Overview of Present-day Aquaria and Oceanaria Select Bibliography Acknowledgements

Review

'[Brunner's] cultured but unpretentious style carries with it a real sense of the Victorian drawing room, an impression reinforced by the wealth of contemporary engravings he has chosen to illustrate his text.' Times Literary Supplement 'A fascinating book.' San Francisco Chronicle 'Fascinating and beautifully illustrated ... a fun and educational read.' Environmental Magazine

Review Quote

"Who knew that the 1970s staple began as Victorian England exotica?"- Los Angeles Times Jacket Copy

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