Seeing Animals traces the significance of animals to humankind from prehistory to the present day, as objects of worship, means of survival and valued companions. But do animals still matter in our increasingly urbanised and technological age? This book shows that they matter not only because the world would cease to exist without them, but also because we too are animals and how we see them reflects our regard for ourselves and each other. Animals affect people's lives in a multitude of ways: in art and literature, in daily work, for hunting and sport, as helpers and guides, and not least as essential providers of nourishment and warmth. By closely observing the enormous diversity of animal behaviour, characteristics and habits, whether in the wild, on the screen or as part of domestic life, we will be both humbled and enriched. So wherever you live, whatever your lifestyle, Seeing Animals encourages you to go out and search for animals, to look at them and learn to see them, not as lesser creatures but as fellow travelers and cohabitants on our extraordinary planet
Illustrations
Introduction
1 Worshipping Animals
2 Depicting Animals
3 Describing Animals
4 Meeting Animals
5 Trusting Animals
6 Hunting Animals
7 Using Animals
8 Enjoying Animals
Notes Index
Angela Dyer worked in publishing and later as a freelance editor specialising in art books. She has lived in England, Scotland, Spain and France, a peripatetic life in both town and countryside, which has always included a collection of animals and ever-surprising encounters with those in the wild.