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Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues That Made History

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Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues That Made History
AuthorAlex von Tunzelmann
LanguageEnglish
GenreHistory of art
PublisherHeadline Publishing Group
Publication date
2021
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Pages264
ISBN978-1-4722-81876

Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues That Made History (2021), is a book authored by Alex von Tunzelmann and published by Headline Publishing Group in response to the removal or defacement of statues during the George Floyd protests of 2020. In it, von Tunzelmann explores the stories of twelve statues or groups of statues of historical figures, including the contexts in which they were erected, the reasons for which they later became contentious, and the circumstances leading to their removal, destruction or vandalism.[1][2][3]

The paperback edition, published in 2022, amends the title to Fallen Idols: History is not erased when statues are pulled down. It is made.[4]

Contents

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The book contains an introduction, twelve main chapters – each focused on a historical figure who features as a created then fallen statue – and a concluding chapter. There are 13 images.

The twelve case studies are:

Argument

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Von Tunzelmann's commentary, while acknowledging the complexities of the debate, is broadly in support of the removal of statues with politically outdated or contentious messages. In particular, she takes issue with "the same four arguments" that are often made for retaining statues, which she characterises as:[5]

  • "The Erasure of History" (i.e. that to remove statues obliterates the historical record): von Tunzelmann responds that the public understanding of history depends on other, more significant factors, including education, archive preservation, and critical thinking.
  • "The Man of His Time" (i.e. that a historical figure should not be judged by modern standards): von Tunzelmann responds that many commemorated figures were atypical within their societies, and received criticism in their own lifetimes.
  • "The Importance of Law and Order" (i.e. that statues should only be removed by due process and by proper authority): von Tunzelmann responds that due process may not work, and sometimes leads to long delays and inconclusive results.
  • "The Slippery Slope" (i.e. that pulling down one statue will trigger a domino effect): von Tunzelmann responds that a continuing debate and reassessment of historical figures is a healthy thing.

Reception

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Fallen Idols was reviewed by Michael Burleigh, who said "there is not a dull sentence in the book, which begins with the moment American revolutionaries toppled the statue of George III in New York."[6]

It was shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize 2022.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Sands, Philippe (2 September 2021). "Monumental injustices — relics, racism and reparations". www.ft.com. Archived from the original on 11 September 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.(subscription required)
  2. ^ Patterson, Christina (18 July 2021). "Fallen Idols by Alex von Tunzelmann review — statues we've pulled down". Archived from the original on 11 September 2021.
  3. ^ "Should they stand or fall? The great statue debate". HistoryExtra. Archived from the original on 11 September 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  4. ^ Tunzelmann, Alex von (2022). Fallen Idols: History is not erased when statues are pulled down. It is made. London: Headline. ISBN 9781472281913.
  5. ^ Tunzelmann, Alex von (2021). Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues That Made History. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 16–19, 209–211. ISBN 978-1-4722-81876.
  6. ^ Burleigh, Michael (July 2021). "Pedestal Pushers". Literary Review. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  7. ^ Anderson, Porter (21 April 2022). "The £75,000 Wolfson History Prize Shortlist: 50th Anniversary". Publishing Perspectives. Retrieved 21 April 2022.