Glance of Genius, The: B H Hodgson in the Himalayas

Synopsis: B H Hodgson (1800-1894) was renowned in the 19th century as a diplomat, linguist, zoologist, ethnologist and collector. He spent almost 40 years living in the Himalayas - mainly in Nepal and Darjeeling - gathering information on almost every aspect of the natural and social realms in the region. The film traces the influences and motivations behind his quest for knowledge touching upon the social history of early 19th-century England, the teachings of Thomas Malthus at Haileybury College and the administration of the East India Company. Locations in England are combined with the use of actors in the studio. The programme is illustrated with 19th-century prints and paintings and early 20th-century film of India and Nepal.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 42 min.
Year of production: 1983
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Documentation: Teacher’s notes supplied.
Uses: Students of the British Empire and those concerned with the origins of British anthropology.
Subjects: Anthropology; History
Keywords: Asia; biographies; exploration; Himalayas; Hodgson, B H; India; Nepal