Searching For The Blaschkas: Fragile Legacy In An Ocean At Risk

By Marianne Berkes

In the 19th century, two German glassblowers, Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, created a remarkable collection of intricate and scientifically accurate models of marine invertebrates. These models, which are now housed in museums around the world, are not only beautiful works of art, but also valuable scientific tools. In her book 'Searching For The Blaschkas: Fragile Legacy In An Ocean At Risk,' author Marianne Berkes follows the journey of the Blaschkas and their work, while also exploring the threats facing the oceans today and the importance of preserving the Blaschkas' legacy for future generations.

A Sea of Glass: Searching for the Blaschkas' Fragile Legacy in an Ocean at Risk (Organisms and Environments Book 13)

by Drew Harvell

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	28549 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Berkes begins her book by introducing the Blaschkas and their work. Leopold Blaschka was a skilled glassblower who, in the 1850s, began to create models of marine invertebrates for the Dresden Museum of Natural History. His son, Rudolf, joined him in this work, and together they created over 4,000 models, representing over 1,000 species of marine invertebrates. The Blaschkas' models were not only beautiful, but also incredibly accurate, and they were used by scientists to study the anatomy and behavior of marine invertebrates. Today, the Blaschkas' models are considered to be among the finest examples of glassblowing in the world.

In the second part of her book, Berkes follows the journey of the Blaschkas' models from Dresden to museums around the world. She describes how the models were packed and shipped, and how they were received by scientists and the public. Berkes also discusses the challenges that the models have faced over the years, including damage, loss, and neglect. Despite these challenges, the Blaschkas' models have survived and continue to be a valuable resource for scientists and artists alike.

In the final part of her book, Berkes explores the threats facing the oceans today and the importance of preserving the Blaschkas' legacy for future generations. She discusses the impact of climate change, pollution, and overfishing on marine ecosystems. She also highlights the work of scientists and conservationists who are working to protect the oceans and the creatures that live in them. Berkes concludes her book by arguing that the Blaschkas' models are a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the marine world, and that we must all work together to protect it.

A Sea of Glass: Searching for the Blaschkas' Fragile Legacy in an Ocean at Risk (Organisms and Environments Book 13)

by Drew Harvell

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	28549 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	232 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE