Beastly
A New History of Animals and Us
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Canongate Books
Published:6th Apr '23
Should be back in stock very soon
Exploring the deep connections between humans and animals, Beastly reveals how understanding this relationship can help heal our ecosystems.
In Beastly, the Costa-winning author of Dadland takes readers on an enlightening journey through the intricate relationship between humans and animals. Set against the backdrop of various global landscapes, the narrative introduces us to a young woman in a Polish forest who forms a bond with a boar, and an Englishman who finds companionship with beavers in Saskatchewan. Through these poignant stories, we are reminded of the profound connections that can exist between species, and how these relationships shape our understanding of the natural world.
The book delves into the historical and contemporary significance of animals in our lives, showcasing instances where humans have observed remarkable behaviors in the animal kingdom. From a zoologist witnessing a fish making a conscious choice to Darwin uncovering the evidence for evolution among pigeon fanciers, Beastly illustrates the vital roles animals play in our existence. It emphasizes the urgency of understanding our impact on the environment and the creatures with whom we share it.
Ultimately, Beastly is a call to action, urging us to recognize the paradox that while our actions threaten biodiversity, these very animals hold the key to healing our ecosystems. The narrative inspires hope, suggesting that if given the chance, animals could indeed save us, reminding us that our fates are intertwined with the wild world around us.
A dazzling examination of our contradictory attitudes towards the creatures with whom we share the planet . . . [A] fantastic, heartfelt history of human-animal relations * * Guardian * *
[A] heartfelt account of the environmental catastrophe . . . Beastly is a clarion call for the humbler notion that every bit of nature matters * * Observer * *
A positive, information-packed read about reconnecting with our wild world * * Independent * *
If you are interested in the animal kingdom; if you are interested in the past, present and future of planet Earth; if you are interested in anything at all - then this gorgeous, joyous, sobering book is for you * * Irish Times * *
Reading Beastly is a little like padding, barefoot, through a forest . . . Heartfelt * * New Statesman * *
What a wonderful and unexpected book. The very opposite of beastly: heavenly and amazing, powerful and affecting, a beloved and very fine teller of tales reminds us how small we are in the face of a nature that we neither understand nor wish to respect or, in any real sense, live with -- PHILIPPE SANDS
I fervently believe everyone should read it . . . From start to finish, it's fabulous -- JAMES HOLLAND
A brilliant and insightful selection of revealing stories about our complicated relationship with other animals, told with Carew's uniquely smart and stylish verve. A hugely enjoyable, thought-provoking book -- GAIA VINCE
Many stories linger after reading Beastly: a polyphony in which tale after tale accumulates . . . The book is exhilaratingly busy with ideas . . . A cunningly structured book * * Perspective * *
Full of necessary rage, joy and passion: BEASTLY should be mandatory reading for all humans -- CLAIRE FULLER
- Short-listed for Wainwright Prize for Children's Nature & Conservation Writing 2023 (UK)
ISBN: 9781786896902
Dimensions: 240mm x 162mm x 35mm
Weight: 611g
384 pages
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