Find it at an independent bookseller at indiebound. Richard kurin, an anthropologist and a director of the smithsonian, seems to enjoy debunking the many myths of the famous jewel in hope diamond. Richard kurin, distinguished scholar and ambassadoratlarge in morristown, 10. Hope diamond the legendary history of a cursed gem book. Commission for unesco and advised unesco on the drafting of the 2003 international convention for. In this engaging book, richard kurin shows that cultures are also mediated and indeed brokered by countries, organizations, communities, and individuals all with their own vision of the truth and varying abilities to impose it on others. Kurin is the author of a lavish new coffee table volume titled the smithsonians history of america in 101 objects, just published by penguin press in an attractive hardcover. A new book uses 101 of the smithsonians artifacts to tell the story of america. Kurin uses the history of the stone and the history of the curse to illustrate the evolution of cultural attitudes toward diamonds and, more broadly, the. Richard kurin born november 27, 1950, american museum. Now under secretary for art, history, and culture richard kurin, aided by a.
A walking stick and 100 other objects that tell the story. The legendary history of a cursed gem as part of the books and beyond. The author, its under secretary for history, art, and culture, has for. Johns hopkins university school of advanced international studies, and authored six books. Doctor of philosophy in anthropology, university of chicago, 1981. Hope diamond by richard kurin goodreads share book. Education bachelor, state university of new york, 1972. Dec 17, 2014 for every object, there is a story to tell. The smithsonians history of america in 101 objects.
Richard kurin is an acting provost and undersecretary for museums and research in the smithsonian institution with six videos in the cspan video library. The smithsonians history of america in 101 objects penguin. As under secretary for history, art, and culture, richard kurin is responsible for most of smithsonians national museums and a variety of cultural and education programs, as well as several research centers including the center for folklife and cultural heritage. He has worked for the smithsonian for four decades, serving in many roles as a director, undersecretary, and. Library journal new york city in the 1890sit was the gilded age, and sumptuous gluttony was the norm. Richard kurin works for the smithsonian institution. The smithsonians history of america in 101 objects book. Each week, our editors select the one author and one book they believe to be most worthy of your attention and highlight them in our. Now under secretary for art, history, and culture richard kurin, aided by a team of top smithsonian curators and scholars, has assembled a literary exhibition of 101 objects from across the smithsonians museums that together offer a marvelous new perspective on the history of the united states. The smithsonians history of america in 101 objects richard kurin on. Jan 07, 2015 in his book, history of america in 101 objects, author and smithsonian curator dr.
Kurin sheds remarkable new light on objects we think we know well, from lincolns hat to dorothys ruby slippers and julia childs kitchen, including the often. The smithsonians history of america in 101 objects by richard kurin. Kurin, director of the smithsonian center for folklife and cultural heritage, discussed and signed his book hope diamond. The smithsonians history of america in 101 objects by richard kurin the penguin press 20973 is an incredibly thoughtful selection of physical objects that help tell the tale of our country from prehistory e. As a member of the smithsonians senior leadership team, kurin focuses on strategic direction, institutional partnerships, public representation, philanthropic support and special initiatives. Richard kurin the smithsonian institution is americas largest and most cherished repository for the objects that define our common heritage. Ends up, it will be put in a new setting next month. Richard kurin is the smithsonian distinguished scholar and.
Richard kurin will be in tulsa for philbrook museum of arts third thursday event to talk about the. Richard kurin is an acting provost and undersecretary for museums and research in the smithsonian institution with six videos in the cspan. History of america in 101 objects richard kurin smithsonian. Dorothys magic slippers in the wizard of oz are silver in the book but were ruby in the movie and at the museum to show off the brandnew technicolor. Beautifully designed and illustrated with color photographs throughout, the smithsonians history of america in 101 objects is a rich and fascinating journey through americas collective memory, and a beautiful object in its own right. In this book richard kurin sorts through the smithsonians vast collections to find 101. Hope diamond by richard kurin penguin books new zealand. The smithsonians history of america in 101 objects by richard. The book is much more descriptive than analytical, as kurin sets each object, beautifully photographed, in its historical and institutional context. If youre shopping for the holidays, dont miss the smithsonians history of america in 101 objects, a new book that highlights objects from across the smithsonianfrom buffalo to bakelizerto illustrate american history. Since its discovery in seventeenthcentury india, the hope diamond, a glimmering deep blue gem weighing over 45 carats, has been shrouded in mystery and steeped in intrigue. Master of arts in anthropology, university of chicago, 1974.
Richard kurin at university book store in seattle, wa on. The smithsonians history of america in 101 objects ebook. Richard kurin, director of the center for folklife and cultural heritage, part of the smithsonian museum complex. Richard kurin author of the smithsonians history of america. Kurin is still collecting facts and lore about this mysterious. Kurin sheds remarkable new light on objects we think we know well, from. Richard kurin richard kurin born november 27, 1950 an american cultural anthropologist, museum official and author, is the under secretary for history, art, and culture at the smithsonian institution responsible for most of the national museums as well as a variety of cultural and educational programs. Richard kurin chronicles and pinpoints these national treasures by focusing on key objects in the vast collection. Richard kurin at university book store in seattle, wa on thu. Richard kurin is the smithsonians undersecretary for history, art and culture. And along the way, the reader learns about gemology, history, geopolitical politics, and how diamond are graded and cut. Harvard book store is pleased to welcome richard kurin, the smithsonian institutions under secretary for history, art, and culture, for a discussion of his book, the smithsonians history of america in 101 objects.
Richard kurin goes beyond the speculation to reveal the truth behind a legendary stone. The legendary history of a cursed gem kurin, richard. The smithsonian institution has combined the job of undersecretary of history, art and culture with the undersecretary of science to create one new position of provost. Intern leanne elston spoke with richard kurin, the books author and the smithsonians under secretary for history, art, and culture. Kurin rediscovered yohe in his research around the hope diamond and its legend.
The smithsonian institution is americas largest, most important, and most beloved repository for the objects that define our common heritage. In kurin s hands, each object comes to vivid life, providing a tactile connection to american history. Background kurin, richard was born on november 27, 1950 in bronx, new york, united states. Richard kurin author of the smithsonians history of. History and culture richard kurin selected this spinning wheel from the collections of the american museum of natural history in new york city. Here are some of kurins favorite objects related to the pittsburgh region. A walking stick and 100 other objects that tell the story of. Discover book depositorys huge selection of richard kurin books online. Richard kurin, the author of a new book, the smithsonians history of america in 101 objects, is the institutions under secretary for art, history, and culture, responsible for most of the institutions many museums and for many of its research and outreach programs. In this engaging book, richard kurin shows that cultures are also mediated and indeed brokered by countries, organizations, communities, and individuals all with their own vision of the. Nov 14, 20 if youre shopping for the holidays, dont miss the smithsonians history of america in 101 objects, a new book that highlights objects from across the smithsonianfrom buffalo to bakelizerto illustrate american history. The smithsonians history of america in 101 objects by. Follow to get new release updates and improved recommendations. Congress approves creation of smithsonian provost position.
Kurins beautiful new book chooses 101 objectsfrom george washingtons sword to the enola gay bomberthat exemplify american history. Read all about it at the harvard university press site. As a member of the smithsonians senior leadership team, kurin focuses on strategic direction, institutional partnerships, public. He also has presented a new lecture series for the great courses entitled the. Richard kurin archives page 2 of 3 smithsonian affiliations. Fall is fully underway with great events happening nationwide. The smithsonians history of america in 101 objects new. Im thrilled to announce that my new book is almost out.
His most recent book isthe smithsonians history of america in 101 objects. His new book is the smithsonians history of america in 101 objects, published in october by the penguin. Richard kurin is the author of the smithsonians history of america in 101 objects 4. Richard kurin is the smithsonians under secretary for history, art, and culture. Richard kurin is the smithsonians distinguished scholar and ambassador at large. Richard kurin born november 27, 1950, an american cultural anthropologist, museum official and author, is the acting provost and under secretary for museums and research at the smithsonian institution. Richard kurin is the smithsonian distinguished scholar and ambassadoratlarge, the first person so designated in the 171year history of the institution.
Dec 27, 20 kurin is the author of a lavish new coffee table volume titled the smithsonians history of america in 101 objects, just published by penguin press in an attractive hardcover. May 12, 2009 kurin, director of the smithsonian center for folklife and cultural heritage, discussed and signed his book hope diamond. Richard kurin is the under secretary for history, art, and culture at the smithsonian institution. Is culture brokered like stocks, real estate, or marriage. Kurin, a cultural anthropologist, spent more than a decade on the trail of. Kurin not only captures every bit of history surrounding the hope diamond, but the mining, trading.
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