A review by words_and_watercolours
Dry Store Room No. 1: The Secret Life of the Natural History Museum by Richard Fortey

3.0

Any individual with a basic working knowledge of museums may find parts of this book rather dry. As ever Fortey is engaging and a joy to read. The real charm of this book lies in the formerly untold stories of the scientists themselves and the wisdom imparted to the reader about their organisms of study. It is surprising just how many people have tried (successfully!) in the past to obtain treasures from the museum for themselves.
After reading this book I was hoping to have obtained some profound insight into its hidden treasures, for the entire place to come alive with stories and for me to feel as though I was part of the Dry Store Room 1 club. Sadly no. Next time I step foot into the Natural History Museum I will enter with all the wonder and excitement as I have done on previous visits but alas with not as many additional pearls of wisdom from this book as I had hoped.