Diesseits von Eden

Abstract

This study examines paratexts and images in works of primatology. In order to classify generic traits of primatographical publications, all paratexts, images and narrative positions of a large corpus of such monographs were registered. The analysis of these data allows for the determination of three distinct genres: scientific books, illustrated books and autobiographical/popular science books. The paratexts also reveal the strategies employed in the presentation of the books: They address a lay public, underline scientific objectivity or generate authenticity. The form of the texts indicate the audiences that the books address and enact an intimate relationship between non-human primates and human beings. Images showing researchers in close contact with non-human primates as well as paratexts addressing monkeys or calling for their preservation and conservation embed these field studies within a Christian iconography, invoke the life of saints or martyrs and appeal to the empathy of the readership.

Graphical viewing at a distance: graphical analytics as a method for the investigation of illustrated books

“…As indicated above, the study conducted prior to the present article (Kilchör et al, 2018) allowed for a differentiation of books published for a broad audience, popular science books and scientific publications. The notion of a difference between external and internal science communication allows a placing of the results achieved by the present analysis in the broader context of books on non-human primates.…”

“…The point of origin for this study was a research article written by the authors together with a primatologist and a specialist in German studies (Kilchör et al, 2018). In this research article, the paratexts, images and narrative positions of 84 scientific, popular-scientific and illustrated books on non-human primates were analysed.…”