Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature

ISBN-10
1468314343
ISBN-13
9781468314342
Category
Science / Life Sciences / Botany
Pages
339
Language
English
Publisher
Harry N. Abrams
Author
Boria Sax

Description

From Egyptian deities to Mickey Mouse, animals have played a pivotal role in human culture. Even today, animals wield symbolic powers as varied as the cultures that embrace them. Sacred cows, wily serpents, fearsome lions, elegant swans, busy bees, and sly foxes--all are caricatures of the creatures themselves, yet they reflect not only how different cultures see the natural world around them but also how such cultures make use of their native animals. In this fun and thought-provoking book, historian and animal enthusiast Boria Sax argues for a classification of animals that goes beyond the biological to encompass a more meaningful distinction: tradition. From ants and elephants to tigers and tortoises, The Mythical Zoo weaves together a cross-cultural tapestry encompassing mythology, history, art, science, philosophy, and literature. The result is a beautifully illustrated, masterfully composed love letter to the animal kingdom.

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