Students of Economics have exams for the next three days - they've worked hard this year, and I know they'll do well.
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the misadventures of an Oxford medievalist
Reall? A pet lobster? I'm not sure whether to mock him or admire him.
ReplyDeleteApparently there was a Romantic French poet named Gérard de Nerval (1808-1855) who went around Paris with his pet lobster. See:
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gérard_de_Nerval#Pet_lobster
http://harpers.org/archive/2008/10/hbc-90003665
I just can't fathom the logistics involved in taking a pet lobster for a stroll about town. The things live their entire lives underwater. And if you've ever seen one try to walk on land, it ain't pretty. Apparently they can survive for several days if kept very damp and cool, but I am very skeptical about keeping one alive as a pet in the 19th century, regular trips out-of-doors, and there's no way a leash could have served any useful purpose on these excursions. It does make for a tremendously delightful mental (and visual -- thanks, Ruth!) image, as well as a smashing t-shirt!
http://rarebirdfinds.typepad.com/rare_bird_finds/2008/05/french-pet-lobs.html
Cory, I am so pleased to see that this post sparked your interest in famous pet lobsters. I especially enjoyed the shirt depicting a lobster on a string - what a wonderful pet that would be!
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