{"product_id":"claras-grand-tour","title":"Clara's Grand Tour","description":"\u003cp\u003eRhinoceroses were once considered extraordinary curiosities, the 'true unicorns' of the world. In 1741, Clara, a young rhino captured in Assam, was transported by ship to Holland where she would begin a Grand Tour of Europe to be displayed before ordinary people and the grandest of royal courts. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA rhinoceros eats up to 70 kilos of vegetation a day - two and a half tons a month - and Clara developed an uncommon fondness for sweets, beer and tobacco. In an age before railways and modern roads, the 3-ton Clara had to travel in an enormous coach drawn by eight horses. For seventeen years she journeyed across mainland Europe and to Britain where she became a great favourite of heads of state, including Frederick the Great; she modelled for scientific portraits and etchings; and she inspired poems, songs, fashions and expensive trinkets. As Clara's popularity threatened to decline, her owner orchestrated a series of recognisably modern publicity stunts: releasing news of Clara's certain imminent death, there would be a massive upsurge in interest, sympathy - and bookings. Clara eventually ended her tour in London, where she died of her own sweet tooth, a victim of bread and cakes.Glynis Ridley has wrought a sparkling portrait of this wonderful animal and the fascination and adoration she commanded, in an era that saw the rhinoceros as both the object of marvel and a challenge to both fundamental philosophical and theological beliefs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Atlantic Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54225519280472,"sku":"9781843541479","price":15.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/1295\/4195\/files\/9781843541479_56dbea48-bfcc-4ddd-9d39-5200a7260b5b.jpg?v=1777039236","url":"https:\/\/agendabookshop.com\/products\/claras-grand-tour","provider":"Agenda Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}