While perhaps less of a “reference” in the more traditional sense of the word, as this is not a book one would turn to in order to find a fact or single piece of information, this volume is still to some extent a reference work. What Cock-Starkey presents her reader with is a selection of experiences relating to the exotic natural world.
Ever wondered what happened when kangaroos were first encountered by the English in Australia? Captain William Dampier describes them as being “as big as a sheep”. What about how the first exotic fruits were discovered and tasted? The orange that we now take for granted as part of our diet was in fact an eleventh-century crusader introduction, and even some 400 years later, in India its true delicacy was still observed with Sir Thomas Herbert writing in 1677 that they “may well be remembered, they were so succulent and dainty, and of course so curious a relish as affects the eater beyond measure”.
These examples provide just a small glimpse into what this fun and accessible volume has to offer the curious reader. Not only does it make it possible to learn about those intrepid explorers who were brave enough to search out the world and bring it back to Europe both literally, and in their notebooks or journals, it also makes it possible to learn about how they made their discoveries and what their reactions were.
Used as a quick reference guide to establish the origins of exotic animals and birds, food, fruit and plants or people, places and customs, this is a handy book. Accessibly written, well evidenced, referenced and resourced, it is also absorbing, quirky and amusing. Furthermore, it takes us back to a time when, wanting to know more about our world meant risk, danger and the thrill of adventure. The accounts relayed in this book were not discovered at the click of a button but through hours of research; their original discoverers too set out on adventures to uncover facts. The book reminds us that there is still great joy to be had in the printed word and in having a sense of adventure, wonderment and awe. Cock-Starkey takes us back, down the ages, to a time when innocent wonder and awe were prevalent, when all that was new and undiscovered was fresh and exciting. Travelling with her and looking at the world through the eyes of those who found and discovered before us, seeing for ourselves as readers, that there is still much to explore and learn from the printed word.
Use this book as a quick reference guide, perhaps a stepping stone to further research, either into the characters upon whose work it draws or the discoveries they made. Incredibly readable, informative and factual, this book captures the recording of experience and shares it for a modern audience. It makes us stop, look and listen. We stop to read, look at some of the curious facts and interesting original artwork, listen to the words of those who made discoveries for us and contributed to our understanding of the world. Readers of this book will soon learn that a good reference book is one they can turn to time and again to find a new and fascinating fact (footnotes and further references included too).
