Other editions of book The Museum Book: A Guide to Strange and Wonderful Collections

“A leisurely and edifying journey of discovery.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)Why do people collect things? With vivid examples from all around the world, this wonderful book puts museums — and the many artifacts lovingly stored there — on display in a whole new light. Jan Mark’s humorous and conversational insights take readers through museums’ multifaceted history, while Richard Holland’s eye-catching mixed-media illustrations lend their own quirky flair. This ode to museums mighty and minuscule will draw curious viewers of all ages — and is worthy of collection itself.

Why do people collect things? This ode to museums mighty and minuscule will draw curious viewers of all ages — and is worthy of collection itself.What is a museum? Why would anyone amass shells, words, clocks, teeth, trains, dinosaurs, mummies . . . or two-headed sheep? Find out where the word "museum" comes from and what unusual items (unicorn horns? mermaids?) some early museums placed on view. Jan Mark’s humorous and conversational insights take readers through museums’ multifaceted history, while Richard Holland’s eye-catching mixed-media illustrations lend their own quirky flair. With vivid examples from all around the world, this wonderful book puts museums — and the many artifacts lovingly stored there — on display in a whole new light. Back matter includes a glossary and an index.A Common Core Text Exemplar

A paperback edition of this unique and fascinating guide exploring everything from the history of museums, to the very meaning of the word 'museum', illustrated with incredible collage-style art. Suppose you went into a museum and you didn't know what it was. From the first sentence of this brilliant book, Jan Mark inspires us to think. She muses on the Muses and the word museum, on why and how people collect things, on different kinds of museums (cabinets, buildings, villages, towns), on their contribution to science and on the notion of classification. She examines the Elgin Marbles (saved or stolen?), famous fakes, the dodo, and some great collectors. Stylish collages brilliantly capture the essence of the highly readable and thought-provoking text - as well as the timeless wonders of museums. Companion volume to "The Time Book" also publishing in paperback this month.

Why do people collect things? This ode to museums mighty and minuscule will draw curious viewers of all ages — and is worthy of collection itself.What is a museum? Why would anyone amass shells, words, clocks, teeth, trains, dinosaurs, mummies . . . or two-headed sheep? Find out where the word "museum" comes from and what unusual items (unicorn horns? mermaids?) some early museums placed on view. Jan Mark’s humorous and conversational insights take readers through museums’ multifaceted history, while Richard Holland’s eye-catching mixed-media illustrations lend their own quirky flair. With vivid examples from all around the world, this wonderful book puts museums — and the many artifacts lovingly stored there — on display in a whole new light.