Welcome. I’m Eric Dorfman—President of the Linda Hall Library, and someone with an enduring fascination for the odd, the beautiful, and the tellingly overlooked.
This blog is where I explore the strange corners of the natural world, the ways we represent it, and what that says about us. Below are the seven most-read posts from the past five years—ranging from chickens with taste in opera to philosophical musings on Christmas plants.
How to Cuddle an Alligator
An intimate look at the surprising behaviors of young alligators, exploring how early human interaction can influence their responses.
Counting Your Chickens: The World’s Most Numerous Bird
An exploration of the staggering global chicken population and its implications for our understanding of the Anthropocene.
The Chicken that Plays Puccini: A Question of Animal Awareness
A contemplation on animal cognition, inspired by a piano-playing chicken, questioning the depths of animal awareness and perception.
The Hoatzin: Celebrating One of Nature’s Oddities
A tribute to the Hoatzin, a unique bird with ancient traits and a distinctive lifestyle, highlighting the marvels of evolutionary quirks.
Art and the Ethics of Natural History
An examination of the ethical considerations in natural history art, discussing the responsibilities of artists and institutions in representing wildlife.
A Christmas Herbarium: The Nature and Culture of Our Favorite Holiday Plants
A festive exploration of the botanical traditions associated with Christmas, delving into the cultural and natural histories of holiday plants.
The Painting
A reflection on the unexpected discovery of a painting, prompting thoughts on art, memory, and the stories objects carry.
That’s the tour—for now. There’s more tucked away in the shelves and corners if you’re the type who likes to keep poking around.
For media queries, please contact: Andrew Meiller 816.381.2600 | andrew.meiller@cruxkc.com
ERIC DORFMAN 