Quinn’s Reviews > The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century > Status Update
Quinn
is 3% done
Beyond that, I was vexed by the the perpetuation of the myth that Victorian corsets were "suffocating." Sure, it was only mentioned in passing, but clearly someone needs a consult with Bernadette Banner.
— Feb 28, 2023 10:25AM
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Quinn’s Previous Updates
Quinn
is 2% done
I also don't love the unchallenged casual white supremacy offered in the first chapter of the book (e.g. the assertion that only "civilized" (ie white) men could truly appreciate the beauty of a bird of paradise or that Wallace's long-time assistant was known only as "Ali"). You could argue that these claims were "of their time," but there were disappointing to encounter without comment from the author.
— Feb 28, 2023 10:24AM
Quinn
is starting
Started 2/27/2023
On one hand, I can see why the story is so fascinating: it has a cast of characters that spans over centuries, from British naturalists to the American flutist at the heart of the tale (Edwin Rist).
On the other hand, it can be hard to tell what is apocryphal, especially the details of Rist's early life. Also, the work would definitely benefit from some diagrams of the "flies" in question.
— Feb 28, 2023 09:55AM
On one hand, I can see why the story is so fascinating: it has a cast of characters that spans over centuries, from British naturalists to the American flutist at the heart of the tale (Edwin Rist).
On the other hand, it can be hard to tell what is apocryphal, especially the details of Rist's early life. Also, the work would definitely benefit from some diagrams of the "flies" in question.
