Description: Thought in the past to be divine, animals have played an active role in human culture since prehistoric times. Even today, animals wield symbolic powers as varied as the cultures that embrace them. From ants and elephants to tigers and wrens, the over 50 conversational entries in this volume weave together a cross-cultural tapestry encompassing mythology, history, art, science, philosophy, and literature while discussing the special significance of animals in human cultures. Special features include:
-- Fantastic creatures like mermaids and unicorns are found alongside snakes, dogs, cats, crows, dolphins, and bees
-- Entries open with quotes from worldwide texts, and illustrations range from medieval prints to editorial cartoons and advertisements
-- Western and Eastern symbolism, and their often contradictory meanings, are explained

Students, scholars, storytellers, and animal lovers will turn to this handy and intriguing reference for information on literature, history, mythology, and the emerging discipline of anthrozoology. Suggested reading is featured with each entry. The volume also includes a bibliography and an index.

Please Wait