Elephants were known throughout most of the medieval world, even if most people had never encountered one, themselves. In bestiaries, elephants are praised for their long memories, intelligence, and monogamy. And, of course, their ivory. This week, Danièle speaks with John Beusterien about elephants and ivory in medieval China and Spain, including how elephants were put into service, and how ivory was used and traded across the world.
John Beusterien is Professor of Spanish and Coordinator of the Comparative Literature Program at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on Environmental Humanities, particularly in Spain. He is the co-author of Elephants and Ivory in China and Spain.
Elephants were known throughout most of the medieval world, even if most people had never encountered one, themselves. In bestiaries, elephants are praised for their long memories, intelligence, and monogamy. And, of course, their ivory. This week, Danièle speaks with John Beusterien about elephants and ivory in medieval China and Spain, including how elephants were put into service, and how ivory was used and traded across the world.
John Beusterien is Professor of Spanish and Coordinator of the Comparative Literature Program at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on Environmental Humanities, particularly in Spain. He is the co-author of Elephants and Ivory in China and Spain.
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