The wonders of geology

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https://omeka-s.library.illinois.edu/s/rbml/item/3926
Title
The wonders of geology
Description
As the frontispiece for Gideon Mantell’s Wonders of Geology (1839), John Martin drew a geohistorical scene that depicts the ancient reptilian iguanodon, which Mantell had recently discovered in the Weald region of southeast England. This illustration is based in part on direct field observations and reconstructions from the rock record of the iguanodon’s ancient environment, as we can see depicted by the estuary in the background. But the image sacrificed a degree of scientific accuracy (Mantell had accurately identified iguanodons as herbivores) to create a more dramatic scene that would boost book sales. The dual objectives of this sketch show the power of geohistory in the early 19th century to both retrodict former worlds and capture the public imagination.
Call Number (click link to view in library catalog)
550 M31W1839
Authors
Mantell, Gideon Algernon
Full Title
The wonders of geology; or A familiar exposition of geological phenomena; being the substance of a course of lectures delivered at Brighton.
Date
1839
Publisher
Rolfe and Fletcher
Location
London
Language
English
Rights
This item is the physical property of the Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Intellectual property rights, including copyright, may reside with the materials' creator(s) or their heirs.
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library's reproduction and publication policies are available here: https://www.library.illinois.edu/rbx/collections/reproduction-services/. The library welcomes requests for reproductions made from works in our collections, though restrictions may apply to certain materials. Please contact the library with any questions at askacurator@illinois.edu.
Type
Text
Edition
3rd edition
Medium
Book
Bibliographic Citation
Mantell, Gideon. Wonders of Geology. London: Rolfe and Fletcher, 1839.