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

Availability

Hire
Sale

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

Credits

Director

Tristram Riley-Smith

Producer

Tristram Riley-Smith

Writer

Tristram Riley-Smith

Cast

C A Bayly

Sponsor

Name

Nuffield Foundation

Phone

020 7631 0566

Address

28 Bedford Square
LONDON
WC1B 3E?

Distributor

Name

University of Cambridge, Department of Social Anthropology, Rivers Video Project