Farm and working animals: general interest Books

Book SynopsisA distinct symbol of the desert and the Middle East, the camel was once unkindly described as half snake, half folding bedstead. But in the eyes of many the camel is a creature of great beauty. This is most evident in the Arab world, where the camel has played a central role in the historical development of Arabic society. Beauty pageants are still held for camels in some Arabic countries, and an elaborate vocabulary and extensive literature have been devoted to them. In "Camel", Robert Irwin explores why the camel has fascinated so many cultures, including those in places where camels are not indigenous. He traces the history of the camel from its origins millions of years ago to the present day, discussing such matters of contemporary concern as the plight of camel herders in the Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, the alarming increase in the population of feral camels in Australia, and the endangered status of the wild Bactrian in Mongolia and China. Throughout history, the camel has been appreciated worldwide for its practicality, resilience and legendary abilities of survival. As a result it has been featured in the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Poussin, Tiepolo, Flaubert, Kipling and Rose Macaulay, among others. From East to West, Irwin's "Camel" is the first survey of its kind to examine the animal's role in society and history throughout the world. Not just for camel aficionados, this highly illustrated book is sure to entertain and inform anyone interested in this fascinating and exotic animal.Trade ReviewA bold and fascinating series The Independent This series ... calls itself "a new kind of animal history". It is, splendidly, even brilliantly, so. I have nothing but praise for it The SpectatorTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Physiology and Psychology 2 Ancestors of the Camel 3 Practical Camel 4 Camels in the Medieval World of Islam 5 The Beauty of the Beast: Literature and Art 6 The Camel's Role in History 7 Modernity's Camel Timeline of the Camel References Select Bibliography Associations and Websites Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisMutton is a great story with its deep impact on the landscape, history and culture of the UK. Bob Kennard addresses all the issues: what's a wether, mutton as a super-meat, mutton farming round the world, how sheep have shaped the landscape, mutton recipes, braxy ham, salt marsh mutton, butchery tips, lists of mutton breeds, directory of suppliers.

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Book Synopsis‘A windswept love letter to Scotland’s heritage sheep and to the Orkney farming community too.’ Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment The Lost Flock is the story of the remarkable and rare little horned sheep, known as Orkney Boreray, and the wool-obsessed woman who moved to one of Scotland’s wildest islands to save them. It was Jane Cooper’s passion for knitting that led her to discover the world of rare-breed sheep and their wool. Through this, Jane uncovered the ‘Orkney Borerary’ – a unique group within the UK’s rarest breed of sheep, the Boreray, and one of the few surviving examples of primitive sheep in northern Europe. As her knowledge of this rarest of heritage breeds grew, she took the bold step to uproot her quiet suburban life in Newcastle and relocate to Orkney, embarking on a new adventure and life as farmer and shepherd. Jane was astonished to find that she was the sole custodian of this lost flock in the world, and so she began investigating their mysterious and ancient history, tracking down the origins of the Boreray breed and its significance to Scotland’s natural heritage. From Viking times to Highland crofts and nefarious research experiments in Edinburgh, this is a so-far untold real-life detective story. It is also the story of one woman’s relentless determination to ensure a future for her beloved sheep, and in doing so revealing their deep connection to the Scottish landscape. An unforgettable story of a heritage breed and the importance of its existence. ‘Rare-breed sheep, Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes and a woman on a mission. All the perfect ingredients for an ovine true-life adventure.’ Sally Coulthard, author of A Short History of the World According to SheepTrade Review‘A windswept love letter to Scotland’s heritage sheep and to the Orkney farming community too. Jane Cooper gives a hands-on account of her quest to save a ‘lost flock’ of primitive sheep – of historic notability.’ Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment‘Rare-breed sheep, Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes and a woman on a mission. All the perfect ingredients for an ovine true-life adventure.’ Sally Coulthard, author of A Short History of the World According to Sheep‘A delightful tale about one woman’s passionate commitment to save a unique breed of sheep. Small, with hairy neck ruffs of black and tan, her chosen wards are not just any sheep; obscure and ignored by the commercial sheep farming community, Jane’s flock in Orkney were in danger of dying out. The story of their enchanting history, promotion and salvation is a tribute to how individual dedication can avert the very worst of outcomes.’ Derek Gow, author of Bringing Back the Beaver‘Starting with the history of the Boreray, one of our rarest sheep breeds, The Lost Flock tells the fascinating and rather romantic story of the so-called Lost Flock, a group within the breed that got left behind when the rest were added to the official register. An extremely useful and very well-written addition to the library of books on our native livestock breeds.’ Christopher Price, CEO of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust‘Beautifully written and impeccably researched, Jane Cooper is deeply committed to her flock of Borerays. Cooper proves to be the ultimate ovine detective, solving the three-thousand-year mystery of the Lost Flock while simultaneously securing the future of smallhold farming in Orkney. She is a treasure to the industry and a hero to the breed.’ Linda Cortright, founder of Wild Fibers magazine and author of Twisted Tales‘Jane Cooper combines intelligence, heart and passion to create a life of integrity not only for herself but for one of the rarest breeds of sheep on the planet – and, ultimately, to build a community that promotes the well-being of all its members, two-foot and four-foot, and of the earth. Her trials and triumphs offer a stellar example for others to follow in their own ways. Bravo!’ Deborah Robson, coauthor of The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook ‘I fell in love with this craft, these sheep, their islands, this determined woman and her story: how a knitter and spinner of wool became a shepherd and changed the fortunes of a rare and ancient breed of sheep; how, if you are bold and passionate enough to pursue, pull and ‘roo’ the threads of a craft, it will take you to the wildest heart of things.’ Nicola Chester, author of On Gallows Down‘The Lost Flock is a hugely readable ode to obsession and how one woman’s knitting project led her to fall in love with the rarest of rare breeds and follow her passion to the ends of the earth. Part history lesson, part life lesson, Jane Cooper extols the virtues of preindustrial farming and cultivating a deeper connection with food, land and biosphere. The lost flock shows the power of one committed individual to enact positive change and save part of our shared natural heritage from extinction.’ Ross Barnett, author of The Missing Lynx‘There’s so much interesting historical information threaded through Jane Cooper’s book about her adventures to preserve the Lost Flock of Boreray.’ Suzanna Crampton, author of Bodacious: The Shepherd Cat

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Book SynopsisGoats are a diverse range of beautiful (and sometimes rare) animals. Billy or nanny goats are the source of many a children's story. Goats were taken into the human fold over 10,000 years ago. From some of these animals, we obtain the fiber to create exquisite mohair and cashmere clothing. Others provide (extremely healthy) meat and milk; the latter being frequently turned into mouth-watering cheeses. Extremely intelligent and curious, they are also experts at escaping from 'secure' fields. And, they can make excellent pets. Along with photographs, this book offers information on some 37 breeds of goats from all around the world, including size and weight, hair type, and history.

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Book Synopsis The Chicken Chick's Guide to Backyard Chickens covers all aspects of keeping pet chickens in a beautifully illustrated, no-nonsense format. Kathy addresses everything needed to keep chickens simply, including coops, chick care, breed selection, chicken health, and beyond! Internationally known as The Chicken Chick, Kathy Shea Mormino brings an informative style and fresh perspective on raising backyard chickens to millions of fans around the world. An attorney by profession, Kathy is the founder and one-woman creative force behind her wildly popular and award-winning Facebook page and blog, The-Chicken-Chick.com. Now her practical, down-to-earth approach to chicken-keeping is available in book form. Sharing her years of hard-earned experience and collaborations with poultry veterinarians, nutritionists, and professors, she provides simple steps to care for these uncommon pets with confidence. Kathy’s Trade Review“Kathy's Chicken Chick blog is one of the few consistently reliable online sources of information on all things chicken. Her book does not disappoint.” -- Bestselling poultry author Gail Damerow"Kathy provides excellent information in a well-organized format about how to maintain the health of chickens and care for them properly. As a chicken owner myself, her book enlightened me on husbandry practices that I will incorporate into my flock. I am thrilled to have this comprehensive guide to pet chickens as a resource, and will recommend it to all of my poultry clients." -- Forrest I. Townsend, III, DVM, DACVS"I’ve known and worked with Kathy since 2012, and am very pleased finally to see a backyard chicken book written by someone so knowledgeable and dedicated to spreading real facts that dispel many of the rumors surrounding backyard chicken keeping. You are holding a well-written and reliably fact-checked book--and an invaluable addition to your bookshelf!" -- Mike Petrik, DVM, MsC, aka "Mike, The Chicken Vet""The Chicken Chick Facebook page and blog are meccas of chicken-keeping knowledge and first-hand expertise. Kathy’s book continues in that same spirit. Grab a pen as you read, because you’ll want to underline and dog-ear constantly. Newbies and seasoned poultry owners will learn something new and invaluable on nearly every page, from fun tipsto advice that may literally save a bird’s life. A must-own for poultry owners and anyone looking to start this incredibly rewarding hobby." -- Brettan Hawkins, Social Media Manager, Tractor Supply Company"As a large-scale provider of poultry, we understand how overwhelming it can be to get started and continue raising healthy chickens. The Chicken Chick blog has always been a rock-steady source of reliable, information for raising healthy backyard chickens in a friendly, approachable way. Kathy now offers the same common-sense, practical approach to the care and keeping of chickens in her new book, which guides chicken keepers through everything they need to know to raise healthy chickens. We highly recommend this book to chicken keepers of all experience levels." -- Jeff Smith, Cackle Hatchery"Kathy Shea Mormino has written a practical, common-sense, easy-to-read book for both the first-time and experienced backyard chicken fancier." -- Michael Darre, PhD, Professor of Poultry Science, University of Connecticut"This book is a must read for new or aspiring chicken keepers. It is also a great reference for people that have been keeping chickens for years!" * The Cape Coop *

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Book SynopsisMeet the dogs who searched for life amongst the ruins of the Twin Towers.Many heroes were made on 9/11 and in the weeks that followed. Not all of them showed human courage. Some of them could only show that they were truly man's best friend. German Shepherds, Labradors and Spaniels accounted for the majority of the four-legged heroes.Over three hundred search and rescue dogs worked the pile at Ground Zero and the crash site at the Pentagon. For hours they searched, fighting off exhaustion with sheer determination and they continued every day long after the hope of finding survivors had passed.There were faithful Guide dogs who helped their sightless owners out of the Twin Towers and led them to safety showed unstinting devotion in the face of adversity. And later, therapy dogs arrived to bring comfort to the bereaved and confused. At every stage of the operation, dogs were there helping humankind in various roles. And invaluably, they provided comfort and reassurance and lifted spirits

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Book SynopsisDevelop a deeper, more positive relationship with the animals in your life and become a better person along the way. All around you, animals are acting as therapists, trainers, mentors, and gurus if you pay attention.

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Book SynopsisFrom the American Guinea Hog who loves a good belly rub, to the hardy Yorkshire who is happiest foraging outdoors, this fascinating guide will turn both young and old into a pig enthusiast. Did you know that wild razorback hogs probably were imported into the United States from Russia during the 19th century? This little book is filled with the history and characteristics of the most popular breeds of pigs in the world!

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Book SynopsisIsobel Lundie is a children's book illustrator living in Worthing. She works in two different styles, collage and pencil, which make her illustrations charming and perfect for kids books. She has worked on a range of books, including Sam and Sparky's Incredible Christmas, My First Animal Atlas, and the other two books in the Find My Favourite series.

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Book SynopsisShepherd Tony Iley believes it's one of the wonders of the world to see a good Collie working in harmony with his master. In his book he covers the history of the working dog, training from puppy onwards, trials, breeding and the experiences of handlers past and present. He tells his wonderful story of the relationship between one man and his dog.

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Book SynopsisThe Healthy Donkey provides a fascinating background to the history of this iconic animal and introduces potential owners to everything they need to know about donkey guardianship, with useful information about diet, bedding and grooming. Those already familiar with donkeys will also find invaluable information about addressing behavioural issues using patience, kindness and bodywork using the Tellington TTouch techniques - a non-invasive system of touch and massage designed to bring about calmness, trust and confidence. Case studies show how these techniques can be used to address a variety of problems.

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Book SynopsisA richly recounted memoir of growing up in an Irish farming community in the 1940sA love of Ireland and the Irish is what shines through this little memoir. Growing up amongst the fields, woods and characters of a farming community near Cork, Kathleen Iggulden depicts a world that is both immediate and real, yet belongs to a now-distant past. Here is a pony and trap to church every Sunday, evenings full of fiddle, flute and song, and new shoes and clothes twice a year. Kathleen''s childhood in the 1930s involved two or three generations - her parents, her brother and sisters, as well as the daily lives of farmworkers and craftsmen, friends and relations. She beautifully chronicles rural celebrations and forgotten practicalities of country life - all painted with a sensitive touch and a freshness of observation. She saw her people as intensely polite, decent and innocent, with humour and music always ready. She saw them as poets, and poetry as the highe

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Book SynopsisAS SEEN ON BBC TWO''S HIT TV-SHOW ''THIS FARMING LIFE''''A heartwarming tale of life on the land'' Alan Titchmarsh''There''s love and loss, challenge and adversity, but above all it''s warm, insightful and inspiring'' Helen Skelton''Will inspire any reader to look at the countryside - and all those who work there - with newfound appreciation'' Jimmy Doherty ''Uplifting, charming and beautifully written'' Adam HensonEmma Gray was just twenty-three when she moved to an isolated farm in Northumberland, becoming Britain''s youngest solo shepherdess. In the seasons that followed, Emma fell in love with its rolling fields, surrounding forest and sturdy farmhouse, tending her sheep and training her dogs - and even found romance.But when Emma finds herself suddenly alone again, heartbroken and recovering from a serious accident, she wonders if her isolated existence is still such a sensible idea. Even if she

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Book SynopsisInspirational stories of heroic Assistance Dogs who found their purpose in life helping people with disabilities and other special needs to overcome challenges and live life to the fullest.

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Book SynopsisEverything you need to care for and keep happy, healthy chickens With directives on diagnosing and treating sick or ailing chickens, as well as general information on how to keep chickens in peak condition, Chicken Health For Dummies is your go-to guide on how to best care for and keep chickens.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part I: The Healthy Chicken 7 Chapter 1: A Picture of Backyard Flock Health 9 Chapter 2: The Anatomy and Body Functions of the Happy, Healthy Chicken 19 Chapter 3: That’s What Chickens Do: Healthy Chicken Behavior 35 Chapter 4: More Than an Ounce of Prevention: Biosecurity for the Backyard Flock 47 Chapter 5: Keeping the Flock Clean and Comfortable 63 Chapter 6: Feeding the Flock Well 75 Part II: Recognizing Signs of Chicken Illness 87 Chapter 7: Inspecting the Flock and Examining the Sick Chicken 89 Chapter 8: Troubleshooting Common Illnesses in Adult Chickens 101 Chapter 9: Sizing Up Sick Chicks 123 Chapter 10: Sleuthing Subtle Signs of Illness and Mysterious Sudden Death 133 Part III: A Close-Up Examination of Chicken Woes and Diseases 145 Chapter 11: Accidents of Flock Management 147 Chapter 12: My Chicken Has What? Diseases Caused by Bacteria and Viruses 165 Chapter 13: Exterminating Chicken Parasites and Other Creepy-Crawlies 181 Chapter 14: Identifying Miscellaneous and Mystery Chicken Diseases 197 Part IV: Your Chicken Repair Manual (and Advice for When to Close the Book) 207 Chapter 15: Making a Diagnosis: Getting Advice or Going It Alone 209 Chapter 16: Medicating and Vaccinating Chickens 225 Chapter 17: Performing Chicken Maintenance and First-Aid Procedures 243 Chapter 18: Euthanizing a Chicken and Disposing of the Remains 261 Part V: The Chicken/Human Interface 273 Chapter 19: Can You Get That from a Chicken? 275 Chapter 20: Food Safety and Quality of Homegrown Eggs and Meat 283 Part VI: The Part of Tens 293 Chapter 21: Answers to Ten Common Questions about Chicken Health 295 Chapter 22: Ten Common Misconceptions about Chicken Health and Treatments 301 Appendix: Chicken Health Formulary 305 Index 311

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Book SynopsisFor the family and would-be smallholder, chickens are the obvious first step when venturing into keeping livestock. Chickens also make ideal family pets, requiring less attention than a dog yet still being entertaining, productive and educational.This practical book is ideal for the complete beginner. Even someone who has never kept animals before should be able to follow the clear, detailed guidance that is given at every stage. It includes: Choosing the right chickens and housing for your garden size Exploring useful equipment, such as poultry feeders and drinkers Routine care for your chickens, including what to feed them on Outfoxing the fox - and other predators What to do with all those eggs! Dealing with parasites and ailments Broody hens and hatching eggsWith true-life portraits of chicken keepers, little known facts, and helpful and informative personal anecdotes, A Family GuideTrade ReviewI've read eight chicken books now; this is the best. - The Sunday TimesThis book is an essential guide for all those chicken lovers out there . . . [it] takes you through the process of acquiring and caring for your first flock. With an activity section for children, this is the perfect read for families. - Cotswold Life

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Book SynopsisAS SEEN ON ITV''S NEW WEEKEND FLAGSHIP SHOW ''JIMMY AND SHIVI''S FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST''.''Jimmy''s love of nature is second to none - what a beautiful read'' Jamie Oliver''Running a wildlife park is a complex job. To do it you need knowledge that varies from animal biology to how to get an ancient tractor running after a harsh frost. If there''s a more diverse job, I''d like to hear about it. But the massive upside of all that hard work is simple. At all times you''re embedded in the landscape and the lives of those incredible animals which depend on it - a beautiful natural gift which you are forever unwrapping.''Twenty years ago, Jimmy Doherty started a farm for rare breed pigs on some derelict land in Suffolk. Now a thriving wildlife park, which is home to many different species of animal, this book chronicles the journey that Jimmy and his family have found themselves on over the years.In Tales From Jimmy''s Trade ReviewJimmy's love of nature is second to none - what a beautiful read -- Jamie OliverIn this entertaining book, Jimmy reveals how he achieved his childhood dream. * Country Living *TV farmer Jimmy Doherty is on a mission to persuade the UK to embrace its green heritage and give wildlife a fighting chance. * Daily Express *Tales from Jimmy's Farm celebrates the journey that Jimmy and his family have found themselves on over the years, and the many animals that now call the farm home. * The Good Life Magazine *

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Book Synopsis‘An unbelievably inspiring book’ Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of TreesDid you know that pigs frequently throw tantrums? That chickens are capable of complex communication? That sheep know their own names? That cows grieve when their calves are taken away from them?Jeffrey Masson delves deep into the mysterious world of farm animals and reveals just how sophisticated these creatures truly are - capable of joy, sadness, love and friendship - just like us.Trade ReviewAn unbelievably inspiring book * Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of Trees *Compassionate, compelling and often tear-jerking... Anyone who has a heart will be reduced to tears, if not to vegetarianism, by Masson's argument * Daily Mail *An entertaining survey of the main characteristics of farmed animals and a sobering account of how these have been ignored * Guardian *Presents information and anecdotes without ever preaching * Independent on Sunday *In this latest leg of Jeffrey Moussaieff's journey through the animal kingdoms, this perceptive writer peels back our prejudices to reveal the depth of feeling and thought in animals' minds and the leap we must make to be worthy of understanding them. Eye-opening, warm, thoroughly engaging -- Ingrid Newkirk, President of PETA

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Book SynopsisStressing the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, farmer Kelly Klober provides expert advice on making any size hog operation more efficient and profitable in Storey’s Guide to Raising Pigs. The most comprehensive book available on the topic, this fourth edition features the most up-to-date practices, illustrated with color photography. Both beginners and experienced farmers will find all the information they need to select, house, care for, breed, and butcher pigs, along with marketing advice.

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Book SynopsisDiscover a forgotten British heritage.The protection and promotion of the UK’s native rare breeds is something that’s in Adam Henson’s blood. His father, Joe, established the Rare Breeds Trust in 1973, and they have been a core attraction at their Cotswold Farm Park, and a part of the Henson family story ever since. In A Breed Apart, Adam Henson takes readers on a very personal journey around the nation, discovering the animals that have shaped our lives and our land throughout the centuries. From postcard perfect Highland Cows to the Cotswold sheep (for whom the Cotswolds are named), to the fearsome, four-horned Manx Loagthan ram and the Ulster White Pig, Adam travels the length and breadth of the British Isles, uncovering the history of these ancient animals, meeting the specialists and farmers who are passionate about their preservation, and shares his hopes for the future of these magnificent and unique breeds and his fight for their survival.This is the story of Britain, told through the native breeds that have nourished and nurtured the nation.

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Book SynopsisSally Urwin and her husband Steve own High House Farm in Northumberland, which they share with two kids, Mavis the Sheepdog, one very Fat Pony, and many, many sheep. Set in a beautiful, wild landscape, and in use for generations, it's perfect for Sally's honest and charming account of farming life. From stock sales to lambing sheds, out in the fields in driving snow and on hot summer days, Diary of a Pint-Sized Farmer reveals the highs, lows and hard, hard work involved in making a living from the land. Filled with grit and humour, newborn lambs and local characters, this is the perfect book for anyone who has ever wondered what it's like on the other side of the fence. 'I am going to do the whole bloody lambing. I'm going to lamb all the lambs. I imagine myself lean and strong, with thin thighs, in attractive waterproof overalls, striding through the lambing shed like I own it. I spend the rest of the evening searching through eBay for waterproof trousers, short leg, size 14, that don't look like a pair of plastic bags stitched together at the crotch.'Trade ReviewUrwin's account of a year on High House Farm, with its mix of arable land and 200 sheep in windswept Northumbria, is no rural idyll. But it's full of passion for the realities of life lived knee-deep in the countryside ... Despite the hardships, Urwin still finds the fun in rural life * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThey roam our hills and wander our country lanes; graze in our valleys and frolic in our fields. Sheep have lived happily beside us in Ireland for some five thousand years it's no wonder they're an unofficial national symbol. Celebrate our wonderful woolly friends, who not only fill our meadows, but also our history and our hearts.

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Book SynopsisThe humble chicken has conquered the world. This unlikely descendant of Tyrannosaurus Rex is now so ubiquitous there are more than 20 billion chickens pecking, strutting and scratching around the planet at any one time. And yet, of all animals, the chicken perhaps best represents the contradictory way we humans treat other species: both beloved pet and cheap commodity, symbol of a sustainable good life and brutalised object of factory farming. Sally Coulthard charts the chicken’s fascinating journey from dinosaur to domestication, exploring every aspect of the history of Gallus gallus domesticus. As informative as it is entertaining, Fowl Play tells a remarkable tale of evolutionary change, epic global travel and ruthless exploitation – as well as of companionship, ingenuity and the folly of human nature.Trade ReviewCharming and illuminating... A fascinating history, light on moralising but rich in fancythat details. It may put you off your capon nuggets, but it will give you a good story to share with the parson's nose * Mail on Sunday *Wonderfully entertaining and informative -- Tim Birkhead, author of Birds and Us[A] marvellously complete and utter history of chickens... Hen-like herself, Ms Coulthard, a smallholder, has left no stone unturned in a book as well-researched and wide-ranging as it is written. From the first page to the last, Fowl Play is as smooth as chicken supreme * Country Life *My first reaction was that this was an extraordinary book to have been written, but then I came to wonder how it had not been written before, so interesting is the subject -- Michael PortilloA playful, entertaining and satisfyingly informative study of this humble bird and the integral and varied roles it played thoughout human history accross the world... Thoroughly researched and engagingly written... A great read * Archaeology Worldwide Magazine *PRAISE FOR SALLY COULTHARD: 'Full of fascinating social history' Independent. 'Global in scope, with fascinating vignettes from the ancient world to the present day' BBC History Magazine. 'A snappy, stimulating book' Mail on Sunday. 'Many wonderful tales unearthed by Coulthard... A smart little book' BBC Countryfile Magazine. 'One of our favourite books of the year' * Yorkshire Post *...a beautifully written and accessible interdisciplinary synthesis on this most remarkable bird -- Professor Bob Davis, University of GlasgowA fascinating read * This England *'I always look forward to reading Coulthard's work. Not only is she exceptionally well-read, but she communicates extremely well. Fowl Play is no exception' * Get History *A beautifully written and accessible interdisciplinary synthesis on this most remarkable bird * Professor Bob Davis, University of Glasgow *Sally Coulthard’s fascinating new book…charts humanity’s relationship with the chicken down the centuries * Yorkshire Post *

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Book Synopsis'Every essay in this book is magnificent... Mesmerizing.' New York Times'How we interact with animals has preoccupied philosophers, poets, and naturalists for ages,' writes Susan Orlean. Since the age of six, when Orlean wrote and illustrated a book called Herbert the Near-Sighted Pigeon, she's been drawn to stories about how we live with animals, and how they abide by us. Now, in On Animals, she examines animal-human relationships through the compelling tales she has written over the course of her celebrated career.These stories consider a range of creatures - the household pets we dote on, the animals we raise to end up as meat on our plates, the creatures who could eat us for dinner, the various tamed and untamed animals we share our planet with who are central to human life. In her own backyard, Orlean discovers the delights of keeping chickens. In a different backyard, in New Jersey, she meets a woman who has twenty-three pet tigers - something none of her neighbours knew about until one of the tigers escapes. In Iceland, the world's most famous whale resists the efforts to set him free; in Morocco, the world's hardest-working donkeys find respite at a special clinic. We meet a show dog and a lost dog and a pigeon who knows exactly how to get home.Equal parts delightful and profound, enriched by Orlean's stylish prose and precise research, these stories celebrate the meaningful cross-species connections that grace our collective existence.Trade ReviewEvery essay in this book is magnificent... Each animal's turn in the warm spotlight of Orlean's gaze gives readers a chance to learn something enthralling about even the most ordinary of creatures... Mesmerizing. * New York Times *Beguiling, observant and howlingly funny. * San Francisco Chronicle *Her rich storytelling is almost soothing... Orlean is committed to investigating the dizzying multiplicity of roles animals serve - employee, best friend, harbinger of climate change - and the places where those functions intersect. * Los Angeles Times *Original, perceptive, and clever... Even though Orlean claims the animals she writes about remain enigmas, she makes us care about their fates. * Boston Globe *A close read of her new book suggests that beneath the surface variety of subjects and locales in her writing, there's an underlying unity: heedless, headlong enthusiasm... She is a moth drawn to moths who are drawn to the flame... Ms. Orlean has a rare knack for finding these people, and an even rarer one for starting them talking... Do not underestimate her curiosity, or the sharpness of her eyes. * Wall Street Journal *Spectacular... Orlean strikes a perfect balance between hilarious and informative. * Star Tribune *In appealing prose, Orlean displays her fascination and love for animals... Her appreciation of the friendship, strangeness, colors, textures and just plain mystery of animals is infectious and nicely documented. * The Columbus Dispatch *A broad meditation on how the connections we make, or fail to make, with animals mark us profoundly along our human journey. . . Orlean's tone is conversational and self-questioning. * USA Today *Entertaining and informative... Orlean's prose dazzles... Animal lovers will find much to savor. * Publishers Weekly *Delightful... Another winner featuring the author's trademark blend of meticulous research and scintillating writing. * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *Vibrant. . . A revelry for readers wild for animals. . . Orlean's deep pleasure in learning startling facts, her often wry tales about her personal life, her omnivorous attention to detail, and her juggler's skill with words yield vivid, provocative, amusing, and wondrous stories. * Booklist *Fabulously fun. . . Orlean is such a virtuoso of unexpected joys and delights that she can make even the story of a lost dog read like a thriller. . . Orlean's high-octane enthusiasm never wanes. . . Orlean's readers will find themselves completely diverted by On Animals' irresistible menagerie. * BookPage (starred review) *Table of Contents1: Introduction: Animalish 2: The It Bird 3: Show Dog 4: The Lady and the Tigers 5: Riding High 6: Little Wing 7: Animal Action 8: Where's Willy? 9: Carbonaro and Primavera 10: Lifelike 11: Lion Whisperer 12: The Rabbit Outbreak 13: The Perfect Beast 14: Lost Dog 15: Where Donkeys Deliver 16: Farmville

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Book SynopsisWhat was the most important step in civilization? Alan Butler's answer is that it was when we began capturing wild sheep, domesticating and breeding them. Sheep were the mainstay of ancient cultures, by far the most important of the domesticated animals. Able to survive almost anywhere, over-wintering successfully, they provided not just milk, meat and skin, but warm clothing. This is why so many of the earliest gods and their myths are sheep related, from the Egyptian Ra (ram) to the later Christian Lamb of God. But sheep have not only sustained us for thousands of years. Sheep farming also underpinned the growth of European nation states, international trade and modern economies. In effect sheep built the modern world. The demands of the woollen textile industry both drove and financed the Industrial Revolution. The British Empire was founded on wool. The space needed for sheep drove millions off the land, many of whom took them to Australasia and the Americas. With over a billion sheep in the world today the humanity-sheep relationship represents the most successful example of mammalian symbiosis on the planet. The story of the sheep is the story of humanity, a surprisingly exciting and gripping tale that deserves to be told. Spanning a vast period of time, it includes some of the most famous names that have been left to us by history, and many that deserve to better recognised.Trade ReviewA rattling good read! -- -- Reading Clinic, BBC Radio 4

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Book SynopsisAn informative and beautifully illustrated celebration of our favourite farmyard animals. Readers of The Country Set and Flying the Nest should dust down their wellingtons once again and come and meet The Farmyard Set. This handsome and lavishly illustrated gift book features 50 of farming's best-loved creatures, brought to life by award-winning artist Hannah Dale. Among them are old favourites, such as the Jersey cow and the Gloucester Old Spot, the Indian Runner duck and the Shetland pony, known for their charm and striking appearance. Descriptions and helpful facts illuminate these evocative paintings. Trade Review'Charming' * Evergreen *

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Book SynopsisEddie Straiton was the worlds outstanding communicator of veterinary procedures and animal care. He earned the title TV Vet from the long series of television programmes in which he brilliantly demonstrated animal husbandry to a wide audience. Following on from his television experience, Eddie Straiton became a prolific author, and more than half a million copies of his books have been sold around the world. Now in its seventh edition, Sheep Ailments Recognition and Treatment covers all the essential information that a flock owner, shepherd or student needs to know.

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Book SynopsisNo creature has been subject to such extremes of reverence and exploitation as the chicken. Hens have been venerated as cosmic creators and roosters as solar divinities. Many cultures have found the mysteries of birth, healing, death and resurrection encapsulated in the hen's egg. Yet today, most of us have nothing to do with chickens as living beings, although billions are consumed around the world every year. In Chicken Annie Potts introduces us to the vivid and astonishing world of Gallus gallus. The book traces the evolution of jungle fowl and the domestication of chickens by humans. It describes the ways in which chickens experience the world, form families and friendships, communicate with each other, play, bond and grieve. Chicken explores cultural practices like egg-rolling, the cockfight, alectromancy, wishbone-pulling and the chicken-swinging ritual of Kapparot; discovers depictions of chickenhood in ancient and modern art, literature and film; and also showcases bizarre supernatural chickens from around the world including the Basilisk, Kikimora and Pollio Maligno. Chicken concludes with a detailed analysis of the place of chickens in the world today, and a tribute to those who educate and advocate on behalf of these birds. Numerous beautiful illustrations show the many faces (and feathers and combs and tails) of Gallus, from wild roosters in the jungles of Southeast Asia to quirky Naked-Necks and majestic Malays. There are chickens painted by Chagall and Magritte, chickens made of hair-rollers, and chickens shaped like mountains. The reader of Chicken will encounter a multitude of intriguing facts and ideas, including why the largest predator ever to walk the earth is considered the ancestor of the modern chicken, how mother hens communicate with their chicks while they're still in the egg, why Charlie Chaplin's masterpiece required him to play a chicken, whether it's safe to take eggs on a sea-voyage, and how 'chicken therapy' can rejuvenate us all. This book will fascinate those already familiar with and devoted to the Gallus species, and it will open up a whole new gallinaceous world for admirers of the intelligent and passionate chicken.Trade Review'In this brilliant book, Potts challenges us to see chickens as creatures who think and feel in complex ways all of their own ... This series notably mixes historical and cross-cultural research with gorgeous illustrations; Chicken is no exception.' - TLS 'This tasty book also chases the chicken through literature, film, painting (Magritte's hilariously sad chicken staring at an egg in an eggcup) and national symbolism (especially French). Potts notices, too, the emerging trend of "heroic chickens" and even "the avenging chicken", probably a reaction to increasing popular intolerance of battery farming.' - The Guardian

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of a boy's life, growing up on a farm in the 1960s. Nine-year old Bill, the author, moves with his family from the suburbs of London to a dairy farm in North Devon, an idyllic environment where he grows up for the next ten years. Pithy anecdotes talk about his daily chores of looking after the cows and helping with the harvest, often turning into disasters - or adventures. With his dog Lucy, he roams the countryside observing wildlife, his passion, encountering birds of prey and his beloved butterflies and moths. He also loves to keep and breed many pets, particularly guinea pigs and budgerigars, yet, having to attend three different schools does not leave happy memories, until he meets the local girls - his first loves.

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Book SynopsisDairy farmer Roger Evans's diary covers the latest news from his farm and his village, his fat little dog Gomer, hare coursers, the local wildlife and equally wild villagers, tales from the neighbours and much more.

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Book Synopsis"It's a great book for any first-time hen-keeper." - YOU magazineKeeping and raising chickens is fun, relaxing, and low maintenance, plus you have the added benefit of your own known source of fresh eggs. In Raising Chickens, poultry breeder Suzie Baldwin offers a practical guide to everything the beginner needs to know, from whether to buy chicks or hens, what varieties to chose, how to tell if you're buying a healthy chicken and how to ensure it stays that way, to how many chickens you should keep, and what kind of coop to buy. They also answer all the questions commonly posed by first-time owners, from whether chickens ever fly away and how quickly they will start laying, to how to prevent them being attacked by foxes and what to do when they become unwell.Previously published as Chickens

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Book SynopsisHave ewe herd? ‘Stuck in the Middle with Ewe: or how I lost my heart and found my flock in Northern Ireland’, is a chaotic, funny and poignant tale, recounting how an English journalist fell in love with a Northern Irish farmer, his sheep and a new way of life. Holly Crawford has finally found the man of her dreams. This is good. Unfortunately he lives 500 miles away on the other side of the Irish Sea. This is bad. Never one to do things by halves, Holly decides there’s only one thing for it: she will marry him (during a pandemic) and relocate to his homeland. Having swapped deadlines for dairies and suits for Wellington boots, she’s soon causing chaos as she encounters cantankerous cows, riotous rams and cute lambs while finding out just what it takes to be a farmer’s wife. She has one husband, 200 sheep and not a clue.

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Book Synopsis"That good old farming saying 'make hay while the sun shines' is true in so many ways ... " Life on a family farm is always full of its ups and downs, but the past year for sheep farmer Sue Andrews has been busier than most. There's the arrival of husband Aubrey's lively new sheepdog puppy. Then livestock sales become online auctions just as Sue's beloved pedigree Blue Texel sheep are set to find new homes. And now, to top it all - as lambing starts, a new generation of young farming grandchildren decides it's time to learn the ropes ... This is the latest 'enchanting' portrait of a year in the life of a Cotswold sheep farmer from Amazon bestselling author Sue Andrews (If Clouds Were Sheep, Jumping Over Clouds) - perfect for anyone who enjoys a lively tale of the countryside

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Book SynopsisAny chicken owner will know that there's more to these endearing, quirky, clever characters than the eggs they produce. Cluck is a celebration of hens, roosters and chicks, combining high-quality photography with inspirational and amusing quotes to create the perfect gift for chicken fans. Some of the collection's quotations come from famous people (Oscar Wilde, C. S. Lewis, Mark Twain, Plutarch), others don't; some are philosophical, others light-hearted all are memorable. Accompanied by beautiful pictures of a variety of these farmyard birds, from Plymouth Rocks and Orpingtons to Welsummers and Silkies, this collection of quotes and proverbs will steal any chicken lover's heart.

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Book SynopsisJohn Barrington was a shepherd to over 750 Blackface ewes who graze 2,000 acres of some of Britain’s most beautiful hills overlooking the deep dark water of Loch Katrine. The yearly round of lambing, dipping, shearing and the sales is marvelously interwoven into the story of the glen, of Rob Roy in whose house John lived, of curling when the ice is thick enough, and of sheep dog trials in the summer. Whether up on the hills or along the glen, John knows the haunts of the local wildlife: the wily hill fox, the grunting badger, the herds of red deer, and the shrews, voles and insects which scurry underfoot. He sets his seasonal clock by the passage of birds on the loch, and jealously guards over the golden eagle’s eyrie in the hills. Paul Armstrong’s sensitive illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the evocative text.Trade ReviewMr Barrington is a great pleasure to read. One learns more things about the countryside from this account of one year than from a decade of "The Archers" - THE DAILY TELEGRAPHPowerful and evocative... a book which brings vividly to life the landscape, the wildlife, the farm animals and the people who inhabit John's vista. He makes it easy for the reader to fall in love with both his surrounds and his commune with nature. - THE SCOTTISH FIELDAn excellent and informative book.... not only an account of a shepherd's year but also the diary of a naturalist. Little escapes Barrington's enquiring eye and, besides the life cycle of a sheep he also gives those of every bird, beast, insect and plant that crosses his path, mixing their histories with descriptions of the geography, local history and folklore of his surroundings. - TLSThe family life at Glengyle is wholesome, appealing and not without a touch of the Good Life. Many will envy Mr Barrington his fastness home as they cruise up Locah Katrine on the tourist steamer. - THE FIELDI read John Barrington's book with growing delight. This working shepherd writes beautifully about his animals, about the wildlife, trees and flowers which surround him at all times, and he paints an unforgettable picture of his glorious corner of Western Scotland. It is a lovely story of a rather wonderful life. - JAMES HERRIOT

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Book Synopsis''A love story, a meditation on meat eating, on farming animals, on the relations between man and beast. Yallop writes with great tenderness'' Daily TelegraphOn her fortieth birthday Jacqueline Yallop built a pig sty in rural south-west France. She and her husband Ed had decided to turn their Aveyron cottage and garden into a small holding. They bought two pigs - Big and Little - to rear and slaughter. The locals were full of advice, and with just a small amount of plastic poles and metallic string and some new Wellington boots, they were off.They will cultivate the land. They will raise, then kill and eat their pigs. Or so they keep telling themselves. Because the reality is so very different from the romantic dreams of two stubborn English writers . . .Trade ReviewBy turn, poignant, funny, educational and, yes, brutal . . . Yallop's skill lies in blending autobiography with lyrical nature writing. * Radio Times *Quietly devastating . . . Yallop writes with great tenderness about the hogs as housekeepers and gourmands * Daily Telegraph *A delightful and entertaining memoir * Woman and Home *A beautifully written and quietly devastating account of raising two young pigs on [Yallop's] smallholding in the south of France * Frances Wilson, The New Statesman *The narrative tension is as tightly coiled as a thriller * Observer *Fascinating . . . you certainly have a treat in store * Literary Review *Very affecting * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisWith his signature hands-on style, Mike Loades experiences what it is like to handle various dogs engaged in their traditional tasks. These adventures take him to the Jordanian desert, where he shares the saddle of his camel with a Saluki and to the green hills of Wales, where he works cattle with a Corgi. He mushes Huskies in Alaska, drives carriages with Dalmatians and flies falcons with spaniels. Each encounter not only highlights the bond between humans and dogs, it also frames that connection in its historical context. Different types of dogs appear the way they do because, at some stage in their development, they were bred selectively for a specialist job. The author takes key types on a walk through history. Along the way he explores the methods and practices of their original occupations. He delves into when, where and why they were first bred as the types we recognize today. The fascinating and engaging text is supported by over 250 stunning colour photographs of dogs in action. It results in an illuminating journey through many cultures and time periods. This book is a personal and heartfelt tribute to the enduring partnership between humans and dogs.

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Book SynopsisAdaptable, resilient, yet often overlooked, the goat - sometimes called the 'poor man's cow' - is found in nearly every part of the world where humans live. But our relationship with this strange yet familiar animal is oddly ambivalent. In Goat, Joy Hinson explores the reasons behind this unease, from our interaction with the endangered wild goat species of remote mountainous regions to the more familiar farmyard goat. This book traces the history of the animal, moving from their evolution through their domestication and global spread to the role of goats in the modern world. It considers in particular the harm done by the indiscriminate importing of tamed goats, which formed huge feral populations on the Galapagos Islands and Australia, for example. It considers the place of goat products in both the culinary and medical traditions of the world, from the time of Pliny the Elder who recommended pouring goat urine into the ear as a cure for neck pain, to the use of a bezoar stone as an antidote to poison. Goat also explores the connections between goats and wrongdoing and questions whether the goat really deserves its reputation for promiscuity and lasciviousness.Across the globe goats are part of our culture, art and tradition: from goat festivals in the U. S. to the Christmas Goat in Sweden. An exciting new addition to Reaktion's Animal series, Goat presents readers with this frequently neglected animal's fascinating history, life and role in today's world.

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Book SynopsisCurly tails, snouts, trotters, 'oinks', mud and unpleasant smells - these are the cliches of the pig. With their varied roles as sources of food, as pets and in medical testing, pigs have been materially and culturally associated with humans for thousands of years. Today there are more than one billion pigs on the planet, and there are countless representations of pigs and 'piggishness' circulating through the cultures of the world. Pig provides a richly illustrated, compelling look at the long, complicated relationship between humans and these highly intelligent, sociable animals. In his insightful book, Brett Mizelle traces the natural and cultural history of the pig, focusing on the contradictions between our imaginative representation of pigs and the ways in which pigs are actually used as meat, experimental material and the source of hundreds of consumer products. Pig begins with the evolution of the suidae, animals that were domesticated in many regions 9,000 years ago, and points toward a future where pigs and humans are even more closely intertwined thanks to breakthroughs in biomedical research. Pig also examines the widespread art, entertainment and literature that has imagined human kinship with pigs, and the development of modern industrial pork production, which has removed living pigs from our everyday lives. In charting how humans have shaped the pig and how the pig has shaped us, Mizelle focuses on the unresolved contradictions between our imaginary and lived relations with pigs. Pig will appeal to those with a love for all things pig and for animals in general.Trade Review'the book is rich in hoggish lore' - The Independent '[an] adept and focused history' - TLS 'Pig by Brett Mizelle is one of the amazing "Animal" series ... richly illustrated with both colour and black and white historical photos and drawings, older advertisements, and just plain whimsy ... compelling reading' - Gothic Epicures

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Book SynopsisThe honey bee has lived in close association with human beings for millennia. Tragically, however, humanity's once intimate connection with this unique creature has been harmed by our increasingly utilitarian and exploitative dealings with the natural world. We are now in urgent need of re-establishing a deeper relationship, not just for the sake of the bees themselves but for the whole of nature - and of course for ourselves.Lorenzen - a true master beekeeper - provides numerous insights to enable a more fruitful engagement with the living world. Offering an enrichment of the knowledge and practice of beekeeping, he discusses the origins of the honey bee, its relationship to the floral kingdom, the digestion of the bee, the treatment of bee diseases as well as appropriate beekeeping techniques. He also develops subtle spiritual concepts such as the idea of the bee colony as an 'individuality' and 'group-soul', providing new depth and wisdom to our understanding of how bees live and work.This small book, a hidden gem that has never before appeared in English, is essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of the honey bee and the future of humanity.Table of ContentsForeword - Introduction - Relation of the honey bee to the floral kingdom, and the developmental level of digestion in the bee - On the treatment of bee diseases - The origin of the honeybee - The bee colony as an individuality and group-soul - The question of appropriate beekeeping techniques

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Book Synopsis'The most important task of the bees, apart from the preparation of honey, wax and propolis, is the healing of the atmosphere! The honey bee, apis mellifera, alone, is able to perform this task. This is its first and foremost purpose.' - Ralf RoessnerDescribing the Genius of Bees as the 'group consciousness' of the hive, Ralf Roessner presents an extraordinary commentary based on first-hand spiritual-scientific research and experience. He studies the mission of the Genius of Bees, the hexagonal structure of 'the crystalline heaven' within which the bees operate, and the healing of the world through their work. Roessner elucidates the relationships between the Genius of Bees, the elemental world and the human being. He also speaks of his personal experiences with the organic 'earth hive', giving instructions on how they are made, and offers practical advice on tackling the varroa mite. In this unique and original work, the author, '...attempts to describe the secrets of creation as far as he has experienced these himself'. As he goes on to clarify: 'Many matters, which could only be vaguely perceived in former times, can now be investigated in a spiritual-scientific manner.A secret is only a secret to the extent it escapes the individual human being's powers of consciousness'. Anyone seeking deeper insights into the world of the honey bee will be enriched by the content of this book.Table of ContentsPreface - INTRODUCTION - The Signs of Change - THE MISSION OF THE GENIUS OF THE BEES - Cosmic Fertilization - About the Physical, Etheric, Astral and Spiritual Plane - The Influence of Elemental Beings - Plant Growth Within the Mantle of Warmth Ether - The Language of Form in Plants, Cosmic Fertilization of Blossoms - Further Details on the Act of Fertilization - THE HEALING OF THE WORLD THROUGH THE GENIUS OF THE BEES - The Crystalline Heaven - The Etheric Body of the Earth - On the Origin of the Genius of the Bees - The Influence of the Heart and the Mission of the Geniusof the Bees - STRUCTURE OF THE BEES, HEXAGONAL STRUCTURE OF THE CRYSTALLINE HEAVEN - THE HUMAN BEING AND THE GENIUS OF THE BEES - The Bee, the Human Being and Elemental Beings - Communicating with the Genius of the Bees - BEE LIFE WITHIN THE EARTH HIVE - A Special Experience - What the Genius of the Bees Wanted to Tell Me - How Can the Human Being Help? - THE GENIUS OF BEES - PRACTICAL TASKS - The Earth Hive From Masuria - Proportions/Recipe - Catching a Swarm with a Brood Comb - Further Advice When Working with the Earth Hive - The Varroa Treatment - Additional Feeding - FINAL THOUGHTS - The First Encounter of Man and Bee

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