Author | Alex von Tunzelmann |
---|---|
Language | English |
Genre | History of art |
Publisher | Headline Publishing Group |
Publication date | 2021 |
Publication place | United Kingdom |
Pages | 264 |
ISBN | 978-1-4722-81876 |
Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues That Made History (2021), is a book authored by Alex von Tunzelmann and published by Headline Publishing Group in response to the removal or defacement of statues during the George Floyd protests of 2020. In it, von Tunzelmann explores the stories of twelve statues or groups of statues of historical figures, including the contexts in which they were erected, the reasons for which they later became contentious, and the circumstances leading to their removal, destruction or vandalism. [1] [2] [3]
The paperback edition, published in 2022, amends the title to Fallen Idols: History is not erased when statues are pulled down. It is made. [4]
The book contains an introduction, twelve main chapters – each focused on a historical figure who features as a created then fallen statue – and a concluding chapter. There are 13 images.
The twelve case studies are:
Von Tunzelmann's commentary, while acknowledging the complexities of the debate, is broadly in support of the removal of statues with politically outdated or contentious messages. In particular, she takes issue with "the same four arguments" that are often made for retaining statues, which she characterises as: [5]
Fallen Idols was reviewed by Michael Burleigh, who said "there is not a dull sentence in the book, which begins with the moment American revolutionaries toppled the statue of George III in New York." [6]
It was shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize 2022. [7]
Author | Alex von Tunzelmann |
---|---|
Language | English |
Genre | History of art |
Publisher | Headline Publishing Group |
Publication date | 2021 |
Publication place | United Kingdom |
Pages | 264 |
ISBN | 978-1-4722-81876 |
Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues That Made History (2021), is a book authored by Alex von Tunzelmann and published by Headline Publishing Group in response to the removal or defacement of statues during the George Floyd protests of 2020. In it, von Tunzelmann explores the stories of twelve statues or groups of statues of historical figures, including the contexts in which they were erected, the reasons for which they later became contentious, and the circumstances leading to their removal, destruction or vandalism. [1] [2] [3]
The paperback edition, published in 2022, amends the title to Fallen Idols: History is not erased when statues are pulled down. It is made. [4]
The book contains an introduction, twelve main chapters – each focused on a historical figure who features as a created then fallen statue – and a concluding chapter. There are 13 images.
The twelve case studies are:
Von Tunzelmann's commentary, while acknowledging the complexities of the debate, is broadly in support of the removal of statues with politically outdated or contentious messages. In particular, she takes issue with "the same four arguments" that are often made for retaining statues, which she characterises as: [5]
Fallen Idols was reviewed by Michael Burleigh, who said "there is not a dull sentence in the book, which begins with the moment American revolutionaries toppled the statue of George III in New York." [6]
It was shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize 2022. [7]