Death in the Dining Room and Other Tales of Victorian Culture
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Temple University Press,U.S.
Published:10th Feb '95
Should be back in stock very soon
Takes a look at Victorian America, and explores the minds of Victorians by examining some of their most distinctive and fascinating creations. The five essays in the book discuss specific pieces - hallstands, sideboards, embroidered mottoes, parlor organs, and seating furniture - within the context of broader cultural issues and concerns.A richly illustrated and provocative discussion of Victorian culture through an exploration of common household goods
"Ken Ames has always 'heard a different drummer.' Death in the Diningroom explores his unique ideas of how our home furnishings give visitors a message about our status and concerns. Why don't we own a hall tree? Why are dead birds carved on the sideboard? And why are some Victorian chairs so uncomfortable? These and other strange thoughts pop up as you read his latest, well-illustrated book."
—Ralph and Terry Kovel, authors of Kovels' Antiques and Collectables Price List
"[E]ffectively explores and articulates 'the varied tasks and roles' performed by ordinary goods in the everyday life of Victorian America, as well as the complex, contradicted elements of culture they often reveal."
—American Quarterly
"An eminently engaging and entertaining work by one of the pre-eminent interpreters of Victorian culture."
—Antique Review
ISBN: 9781566393331
Dimensions: 254mm x 178mm x 20mm
Weight: unknown
280 pages