The Plight of the Pet Monkey in 19th century Literature and History
“Properly trained and looked after, there is no pet which can be so interesting or amusing as a monkey.” Hardwicke’s Science Gossip, 1889.
The Monkey Who Had Seen the World by Edwin Henry Landseer, 1827.
Throughout most of the 19th century, it was not at all uncommon for a family to keep a monkey as a household pet. Monkeys were playful, mischievous, and adept at mimicry. In short, they were amusing. They were also human-like enough to be regarded by some affectionate owners as no more than naughty children. Indeed, for some, the pet monkey may even have filled the vacant role of child in a childless family.[…]Continue Reading
