Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 Delightful book September 7, 2008
9 out of 11 found this review helpful
This more than just a description of a museum. This is also a journey into the history of the natural sciences and a part biography as well. Well illustarted, Richard Fortey describes an institution that is trying hard (and succeeding if the new Darwin Centre is any guide)to move with the times, make science accesible to the public, yet has more going on behind the scenes than we could ever give credit.
Anyone who lives in or visits London should pay more than one visit to this marvelous place, and thanks to this book they will be well briefed as to what goes and has gone on there.
Marvellous stuff. March 18, 2008
22 out of 23 found this review helpful
Dry Store Room No.1 is a wonderful book that allows the reader an insight into the fascinating world of the Natural History Museum, London. In this book Mr Fortey tells us; not only about the exhibits, but also about the work behind them and the men and women who carried out this work. We learn about all sorts of things from the ghastly stenches of the pit where Whale carcasses are stripped of flesh to the curator who obsessively categorized everything including "string too short for further use".
The science parts can occasionally be a bit hard to understand but like another reviewer I see that as my lack of understanding not Mr Fortey's lack of clarity and besides what would life be if we didn't stretch ourselves once in a while.
I thoroughly recommend this for the sort of person who likes a behind the scenes look at life.
 dry store room no.1 March 17, 2008
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
Richard Fortey writes as always with elegance, passion and lucidity that is a plesure to read. if I haave to re-read some of the 'science' it is because I am not a scientist not his lack of clarity. all his books are informative and enlarge our view of the world.
 A boring book with an interesting title March 8, 2008
1 out of 34 found this review helpful
A very boring and tedious book that should have been left on the shelves with the other unseen exhibits.
A joy to read March 8, 2008
11 out of 15 found this review helpful
Once again, another good book from Fortey. His writing style is completely addictive and difficult to put down - if only he would write more!
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