Museum History: 10 Books You Can't Miss!

 

Museum History: 

10 Books You Can't Miss

Good afternoon, Dear reader!

 

To better appreciate the book reviews to come, let's first explore the broader landscape of Museum Studies. While diverse, this field is deeply rooted in the history of museums. Here are 10 books that have significantly shaped my understanding of this history. I'll be discussing many of these in greater detail soon.

 

These are in no particular order.

The Books

1.    Museum Revolutions, Ed. Simon Knell, Suzanne MacLeoud and Sheila Watson, 2007

This book delves into the dynamic interplay between museums and the world around them. As a result, many chapters offer valuable insights into the historical development of museums across various cultures and time periods. Reading this book will undoubtedly broaden your knowledge of the diverse and ever-evolving nature of museums.

 

2.    Museums in Motion, 2nd. Edition, Edward P. Alexander, Mary Alexander, 2008.

As its subtitle implies, this book explores the history of museums and their functions. While published in the United States, it offers a global perspective on museum history, examining different types and their roles. This is the ideal choice for readers seeking a comprehensive overview of museum history in a single volume.

 

3.    A Companion to Museum Studies, Ed. Sharon Macdonald, 2011, Ch. 3: The Origins of the Public Museum, Jeffery Abt

 

 This reader is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive collection of readings on Museum Studies I have encountered. Chapter 3, "The Origins of the Public Museum" by Jeffery Abt, offers a compelling, albeit somewhat traditional, historical account of museums, tracing their development from the Renaissance in Europe to the present day. This chapter is essential reading for those seeking a Eurocentric perspective on museum history.

 

4.    Museums and the Shaping of Knowledge, Eilean Hooper-Greenhill, 1992

 

 

 

As I discussed in my last book review, this book provides a fresh and insightful perspective on museum history, highlighting how these institutions have constantly shifted and responded to the world around them. If you're looking for a nuanced and thought-provoking analysis, this is the book for you.

 

 5.    Museums and Their Communities, Ed. Sheila Watson, 2007

 

 

 Don't be fooled! This book is all about how museums connect with the communities they serve. But precisely because of this focus, it delves into the fascinating and complex history of these institutions, particularly in Europe. If you want a rich and insightful understanding of how museums developed in Europe and the UK, this book is a must-read.

 

6.    National Museums: New Studies from Around the World, Ed. Simon Knell, et. al., 2011

 

 This reader explores the emergence of national museums globally, with a particular emphasis on the 19th century and beyond, and includes perspectives from non-Western and non-English-speaking countries. This is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a contemporary understanding of museum history.

 

7.     Riches, Rivals and Radicals: 100 Years of Museums in America, Marjorie Schwarzer, 2006

 

 This study examines the unique trajectories and themes of museums within the United States. It highlights key differences that are crucial for understanding and working within the American museum landscape. This book provides a valuable perspective on the modern history of museums in the United States.

 

8.    National Museums and Nation Building in Europe, Peter Aronsson, 2014

 

This reader focuses exclusively on the emergence of national museums in Europe, exploring key themes related to their rise during the 19th century. It is a valuable resource for anyone studying museums within this specific historical and geographical context.

 

9.    Life on Display: Revolutionizing US Museums of Science and Industry, Karen Rader and Victoria Cain, 2014

 

 As its subtitle indicates, this book examines the rise and dominance of natural history and science museums in the United States, with a particular focus on the 20th century. This book is ideal for those with a specific interest in natural history museums.

10.    The Birth of the Museum: History, Theory, Politics (Culture: Policy and Politics), Tony Bennet, 1995.

This book offers a more critical examination of museum history in 19th-century Europe. It provides a nuanced and analytical perspective that challenges the traditional narrative of linear progress.

 

 

And there you have it! These are ten of the most insightful books on museum history for museum professionals, graduate students, and anyone with a passion for the subject. I hope you enjoy exploring this list and immersing yourself in this fascinating history. Follow me for more book reviews on Museum Studies and Geology.

 

Happy Reading!!!

 

 

 Caveats:

1. This list focused solely on the history of museums themselves and excluded books primarily concerned with related fields like art history, heritage studies, and geology (though I will dedicate a separate series to geology, a field deeply intertwined with museum history).
2. This selection did not encompass books specifically addressing critical topics such as repatriation and post-colonialism, which require more in-depth and separate discussions.
3. I carefully selected an international range of books that explored museums from multiple viewpoints.