Synopsis
A varied and insightful compendium of animals and the relationships between humans and animals.
Booknews
Sax traces the history of animals in human representation (art, literature, popular culture) from their role as gods, to their reduced status as divine subordinates, to figurative creatures of allegory and symbol, to their modern status as representatives of nature. Space is devoted to the so-called humbler species (fly, louse, flea, worm)<-->as well as the more sublime (coyote, wolf, and lion). Fifty A-Z conversational entries are illustrated with images from medieval prints to editorial cartoons and advertisements; suggested readings for each entry are included. Sax is a Ph.D., author of several books about animals in folklore and literature, and is founder of the organization Nature in Legend and Story (NILAS, Inc.). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)