Still Life: Adventures in Taxidermy – A Journalist Reveals the Paradoxical Art and Passionate Subculture of Preserving Life

A great read

Still Life by Melissa Milgrom is a book for discriminating palates, for those persons that can appreciate not only factual information but can also pick up the messages between the lines; those messages that bring back personal memories and open new windows on the multifarious world of human culture. Perhaps, few other sectors of natural history can , as does taxidermy, display both the professional and the personal profile of the persons involved. Melissa Milgrom takes the reader by the hand and leads him along a path touching the phases of exploration, collecting and preparation, embedded in an aesthetic dimension which gives taxidermists an unique position in the variegate world of naturalists. The personalities of the outstanding American taxidermists depicted in the book are all characterized by a strong tension toward disclosing the aesthetics of natural objects and their environment, a motivation often subliminally present in many persons that left a mark in the history of Natural History. A book, this of Melissa Milgrom, that deserve the attention and the gratitude of all those aware of the necessity of opposing the increasing fading of naturalistic culture. Gian Carlo Carrada Full Professor of Ecology University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

I bought this book for my grown daughter who collects taxidermied animals. After reading Still Life, we both agreed that you can't look at "stuffed critters" the same again. Not only does Milgrom go indepth into the world of taxidermy (the history and trends), but she creates each chapter as its own short and entertaining story. Lots of interesting characters and facts you never knew make this an easy read. Now I long to return to the Museum of Natural History (or any museum!) to fully appreciate the exhibits--this book definitely changed my attitude towards the art of taxidermy.

Melissa Milgrom did a fantastic review of taxidermy from a lay persons perspective. Those of us familiar with this art form know it requires attention to detail that makes one be a student of anatomy as well as a naturalist. As a hunter and conservationist I love being able to preserve the memories of the hunt. Paleolithic hunters painted animals on the cave walls....modern hunters have sculpted animals to remind them of atavistic tendencies that are worth revisiting and reliving....its part of who we are and where we came from. As a young boy my parents brought me to the Chicago Field Museum and I was mesmerized by the dioramas. Each one was an adventure that fueled my imagination. It is still one of my most vivid childhood memories. Some of my friends collected baseball cards....I collected skins and skulls. I think Melissa Milgrom touched upon this experience and followed it through with some world class artisans that keep the memories alive....I only wish there were photos of the mounts including her squirrel. Well worth the read....heads off to Melissa. Joe Grote

I am a collector of natural curiosities, and I admire beautiful, intelligent, things. Taxidermy is an art and admiration of nature, and a hope to preserve what is ephemeral. This book is a fantastic read. The author asks all the right questions, of herself and those she is studying. The attraction isn't about morbidity. You don't have to fall into the category of being "goth" or a "redneck" to want to learn more about taxidermy. The author is practical, funny, inquisitive, and the pacing is enjoyable. I'm still only halfway finished, but maybe that's because I want to savor every page :) I purchased it just after I had bought "Windows on Nature; The great habitat dioramas of the American Museum of Natural History," by Stephen Quinn, and it's just a great companion.

Melissa Milgrom will take you from the Past to the Present, from the New World to the Old Europe, from dusty museum attics to flashy art galleries, and it will not let you go before your read the last word. A documented journey through a little-known world, full of interesting facts and witty humor, during which you will meet very human beings. Take a comfortable seat and enjoy!

When I saw the title I was intrigued. I suggested it for my book club, knowing there would be objections. It was a fun read, slowing down in parts, but such fascinating subject matter. The author injects her opinion throughout, which is helpful but sometimes annoying. I found the descriptions to be so clear that I was afraid to eat and read at the same time. A worthwhile read about something of which I knew very little.

Having grown up with my nose pressed against the glass of the great habitat dioramas of the American Museum of Natural History, I find Milgrom's book to be a great insight into the art of taxidermy.

Really interesting book if you have any interest in taxidermy. Not a 'how to' book, but a fascinating account of a journalist's encounters with taxidermy artists of all types, from the Victorian 'golden' era of astounding craftsmen to the more ethical and ground-breaking modern day work. Set mainly in the US but with material about prize-winning UK taxidermists, as well as old favourites like Walter Potter. Indeed, it was a poignant chapter on the sale of the collection.

book written by a journalist so it's kind of in the form of an article but it is very interesting, full of facts. I learned a lot about taxidermy and it's history