James Delbourgo,Associate Professor of History at Rutgers University, joins us to discuss his book Collecting the World: Hans Sloane and the Origins of the British Museum. He tells the myth of Hans Sloane, and who became wealthy as a London society physician during the late 17th century. Through his wealth and contacts,he created an encyclopedic collection of specimens and objects which eventually became the British Museum. But, Delbourgo's collection was not without controversy as his myth is intertwined with colonialism and slavery. [br]James Delbourgo will appear in conversation with Christopher Brown on Oct. 26 atBook Culture (536 West 112th St., or between Broadway and Amsterdam) at 7 p.m.
Source: thetakeaway.org