Embodied Explorations: The Role of Bodies, Labor, and Senses in the History of British Geographical Exploration
During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, explorers were pivotal in the expansion of the British Empire. They also shaped British cultural identity through literature, periodicals, and public speaking tours. Statues erected in this era still adorn the streets of Britain’s towns and cities. In this session, Ed Armstrong-Sheret will discuss research from his new book On the Backs of Others: Rethinking the History of British Geographical Exploration. By focusing on the bodies of explorers, the book seeks to diversify the history of British geographical exploration and to develop understandings of the relationship between exploration and empire. It reveals the complex and often conflicting portrayals of explorers' bodies across different audiences, highlighting debates over credibility. Most centrally, it also explores the sensory and embodied labour of exploration, shedding light on the diverse range of people and animals involved in these journeys.
All welcome- this seminar is free to attend, but booking is required.
This page was last updated on 6 January 2025