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Reviews
Dinosaurs in the Attic: An Excursion Into the American Museum of Natural History by Douglas Preston
ocurtsinger's review
3.0
A fun romp through the different slices of history behind one of the most curious and romantic places in America. Probably a bit dated now (published in 1986) but enjoyable nonetheless. Very noncommittal reading.
emkay_paq's review
4.0
Definitely an interesting read, although I was a bit underwhelmed at how much of the controversy surrounding the anthropology collection was brushed aside. There would have been space to delve a bit more into the ethical questions raised by museum collecting practices (particularly in the early days), so parts come across as being a bit tone-deaf. Whether or not this was the author's decision or an editorial choice is unclear, as he certainly addresses these issues in his fiction set in the museum. Otherwise, definitely a fun book for museum lovers.
johnbreeden's review
5.0
An interesting read for those interested in museum collections or curious incidents in the history of collecting.
marrireadsandrambles's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
nycsquirrel's review
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
I went to the American Museum of Natural History and asked for a book about Roy Chapman Andrews, and was disappointed this was all they had (he's only featured in one chapter). Published in 1986, the author digs into the history behind a few of the museum's expansive collections. One would expect some racist, backwards views from the time of the "collecting" in the 19th century, but there's little modern-day reflection on how the communities were treated and how their stories were conveyed. For example: "It is more likely the Eskimo (a colonial and inappropriate term) made up the story... A common problem that anthropologists face is the less-than-truthful informant." Meaning, the author believes the anthropologists know better than the people whom they are studying.
The museum has fascinating collections and how they were obtained needs to be honestly told and reflected upon, but not through this book.
The museum has fascinating collections and how they were obtained needs to be honestly told and reflected upon, but not through this book.
spidergirl502's review
4.0
A really interesting read! I found the second half of the book, the tour of the museum, to be a bit more intriguing, but I enjoyed it very much overall.
rachelleahdorn's review
4.0
This book is a bit outdated--from the 80s--but I had been looking at it on my parents' shelves for years and was intrigued by the title. This year I decided to borrow it. Though dated, most of it holds up well.
It's a look inside the collection of the American Museum of Natural History. My favorite parts had to do with archaeology, anthropology, bugs, and dinosaurs. I was a little bored by the meteorites and the gems, but the former made the reading worthwhile.
As a history of a museum, most of the stories haven't changed, though some of the technology has.
It's a look inside the collection of the American Museum of Natural History. My favorite parts had to do with archaeology, anthropology, bugs, and dinosaurs. I was a little bored by the meteorites and the gems, but the former made the reading worthwhile.
As a history of a museum, most of the stories haven't changed, though some of the technology has.
tri_lo_bite's review
2.0
Although it has plenty of interesting facts, the racism in this book is disgusting. The continued use of the slur e***** to reference Inuit is one example. The author (as well as the museum itself) glorifies practices of “exploration” that are inherently racist and damaging to nature and Indigenous people.
The book does seem to mourn the loss of Native cultures though, but still talks about murders and massacres with no emotion. Very off putting.
The book does seem to mourn the loss of Native cultures though, but still talks about murders and massacres with no emotion. Very off putting.
yurienokida's review against another edition
5.0
I grew up loving natural history museums so this book was a real treat for me. Preston's writing style was really engaging so it was an enjoyable read. It was cool to learn about the more behind-the-scenes stuff that goes on in museums. Reading this book gave me a whole new appreciation for all the effort and attention to detail it takes to establish such an institution. It's mind blowing to even think about the magnitude of the collection housed at the American Museum of Natural History. I'm hoping to visit the museum in a couple weeks and I can't wait!