Ulisse Aldrovandi

Naturalist and Collector

Peter Mason

• Publisher: Reaktion Books
• Year: 2023
• Print ISBN: 9781789147179
• eBook ISBN: 9781789147483

A critical biography of the early modern Italian naturalist. The Bolognese naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi was a prolific writer, polymath, and prodigious collector who amassed the largest collection of naturalia in sixteenth-century Europe, as well as hundreds of colored drawings detailing them. Many of these drawings found their way into his illustrated publications, most of which were published posthumously. This book provides a concise yet comprehensive portrait of Aldrovandi, paying particular attention to two aspects: the role that the newly discovered continent of America played in his research interests, and his study of abnormalities of physiological development in organisms. Peter Mason gives insight into Aldrovandi's fascinating life, his early work on antiquities, his natural history and other collecting activities, his network of correspondents and patrons, and the influence and legacy of his collection and publications.

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Abbreviations
• Preface
• Prologue: Housing and Displaying a Collection
• 1 Finding His Way: The Early Years
• 2 The Network Expands
• 3 Forming a Collection, Friendship and Patronage
• 4 The American Mirage
• 5 Anomalies
• 6 Art and Artists
• 7 Ornithologia and After: The Collection and the Posthumous Publications
• CHRONOLOGY
• REFERENCES
• SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• PHOTO ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• INDEX