The Museum of Babel: Meditations on the Metahistorical Turn in Museography is a thought‐provoking, transatlantic reading of contemporary exhibits of the museum’s own past. Museums everywhere now exhibit ‘evocations’ of their own pasts, often in the form of refashioned, ancestral cabinets of curiosities. Moving beyond discussions of ‘the return to curiosity,’ Thurner calls this retrospective trend the metahistorical turn in museography. Providing engaging and lively meditations on exhibits of the museal past in art, natural history, archaeology, and anthropology museums, including the Prado, the Royal Cabinet of Natural History, the Ashmolean, the British Museum, the Louvre, Coimbra’s Science Museum, Brazil’s scorched Museu Nacional, Mexico’s Museum of Anthropology, Argentina’s Museo de la Plata, and the Venice Art Biennale, Thurner argues that the ongoing metahistorical turn in museography is exposing the museum’s true vocation, which is to be a museum of itself, or metamuseum. In a word, The Museum of Babel is a provocative meditation on the museum’s true vocation. As such, it will be essential reading for museologists, curators, museum professionals, historians and philosophers of art and science, anthropologists, and students in an array of related fields, including museum studies, cultural studies, global studies, history, archaeology, anthropology, design, and art history.

Throughout its history, the Ashmolean has evolved to meet changing needs and reflect new ideas. In the process, it has transformed from a cabinet of curiosities, representing the world in microcosm, to a museum of art and archaeology, illustrating conne

"This publication accompanies the exhibition The Philosophy Chamber: Art and Science in Harvard's Teaching Cabinet, 1766-1820, on view at the Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, Massachusetts, from May 19 through December 31, 2017, and at The Hunterian, University of Glasgow, Scotland, in 2018."

The Collected Works of E. F. Benson: 23 Novels & 30+ Short Stories presents a rich assortment of Benson's literary works, showcasing his unique blend of wit, humor, and social commentary. Known for his clever characterizations and keen observations of society, Benson's writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking, making his stories a joy to read for fans of classic British literature. Set in the early 20th century, Benson's works capture the essence of the Edwardian era, offering a glimpse into the lives and manners of the time. E. F. Benson, a prolific writer and popular novelist, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of upper-class society, which is evident in the vivid and detailed portrayals of his characters and their interactions. With a keen eye for satire and a sharp wit, Benson's writing reflects his deep understanding of human nature and his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. I highly recommend The Collected Works of E. F. Benson to readers who enjoy immersive storytelling, vibrant characters, and a glimpse into the societal conventions of the early 20th century. This comprehensive collection offers a treasure trove of literary gems that showcase Benson's talent as a storyteller and his enduring legacy in the world of classic literature.

This carefully edited collection has been designed and formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. Contents: Make Way For Lucia: Queen Lucia Miss Mapp Dodo Trilogy: Dodo: A Detail of the Day Dodo's Daughter or Dodo the Second Dodo Wonders David Blaize Series: David Blaize David Blaize and the Blue Door Other Novels: The Rubicon The Judgement Books The Vintage Mammon and Co. Scarlet and Hyssop The Relentless City The Valkyries The Angel of Pain The House of Defence The Blotting Book Daisy's Aunt Mrs. Ames Thorley Weir Arundel Michael Up and Down Across the Stream Short Story Collections: The Room in the Tower, and Other Stories The Countess of Lowndes Square, and Other Stories Historical Works Edward Frederic Benson (1867–1940) was an English novelist, biographer, memoirist, archaeologist and short story writer, known professionally as E.F. Benson.