Grasping the world: the idea of the museum

This item is an anthology which explores the idea of the museum and aims to promote a critical, historical and ethical understanding of its origins and history. It is intended to be a resource for students and teachers of art history and museum studies. The anthology contains texts first published in journals and books. The general introduction asks the question: What are Museums For? Other topics covered include: Creating historical effects; Instituting evidence; Building shared imaginaries/effacing otherness; Observing subjects/disciplining practice; Secularizing rituals; Inclusions and exclusions: representing adequately. There is also a chronological index of the texts.