The Sea and Its Wonders

Maker Mary Kirby (1817-1893)

Date1873

Object number00036440

NameBook

MediumCloth, Ink on paper

DimensionsOverall: 173 x 257 x 32 mm, 0.76 kg

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionBook titled 'The Sea and its Wonders' by sisters Mary and Elisabeth Kirby. London England. T Nelson & Sons: Patternoster Row. 1873.HistoryIn an era flooded with scientific publications, Mary and Elizabeth Kirby fulfilled a valuable role. As female writers not scientists, they were in the unique position of writing for an audience they understood. Keeping the text simple yet informative, they were able to engage and educate readers that were often overlooked by other writers. Women, children and armchair enthusiasts found a wealth of introductory scientific information in the Kirby's books and the illustrations were plentiful. Significantly, Mary and Elizabeth Kirby were among the very few female writers at the time who made their living from these type of publications. More than just books of "pretty pictures" that were an accepted female genre, the Kirby sisters were prolific in their output and Mary is thought to be one of the first British woman to publish a scientific study of the flora of her county in the nineteenth century.SignificanceThe books of Mary and Elizabeth Kirby aimed to share general scientific knowledge of the natural world with women and children - those most denied the advantages of education. Through a series of heavily illustrated books, scientific information was presented in a way that was interesting and easy to absorb.