De monstris
Subtitle: an exhibition of monsters and the wonders of human imagination
By: exhibition and catalogue by David A. Fernández .
Contributors: Carefoote, Pearce J., 1961- editor; Korey, Mariam editor; Ridolfo, Elizabeth, editor; Bevington, Stan, designer; Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Publisher: University of Toronto Library
Published: 2018
Place of publication: Toronto
Language: eng
Number of pages: 143
ISBN-13: 9780772761255
Subjects: Exhibitions; Monsters in literature; Bibliography; Abnormalities, Human, in literature; Grotesque in literature; Difference (Psychology) in literature; Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Description: "De monstris is an exhibition about the European culture of writing on monsters and monstrosity from the Middle Ages all through the end of the Victorian era. The exhibition explores the textual and visual sources at the centre of the stories of monsters recounted in the pages of medieval encyclopedias, wonder books, cosmographies, compilations of travels, natural history volumes, medical texts, and other popular books. Beyond showcasing the remarkable collections of the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library in the areas of history, medicine, science, and literature, the exhibition follows the main traditions in the history of monsters in the West. The manuscripts, printed books, maps, and ephemeral material on display reproduce the historical interpretations of monsters as natural errors, as warnings of future events, or as wonders of nature. Finally, the exhibition questions our knowledge and possible assumptions on the subjects of monsters and monstrosity by presenting a selection of textual and visual narratives which made notable contributions to the history of monsters in Europe over the course of eight centuries."--
Notes: Catalogue of an exhibition held at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library from September 17, 2018 to December 21, 2018--Verso of title page.

Prologue by Josiah Blackmore.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 135-141).