Books in the Animal series

The surprising and intriguing history of the much-loved goldfish.

"e;Albatross looks at the place of these iconic birds in a wide variety of human cultures, from early responses by north Atlantic mariners to modern encounters, examining in detail the role the bird plays in the lives of different peoples and societies. The albatross's remarkable ease in the air and its huge wingspan strikes all those who observe them, and the huge journeys they undertake across the oceans inspires awe. The bird has been celebrated through proverbs, folk stories, art, and ceremony. For many, the bird's cultural significance is still determined by Coleridge's 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'. People have engaged with the bird over the last two centuries, from those who sought to exploit them to those who devoted their lives to them. Writers, artists and documentary makers have all focused on the albatross and its place in the human imagination has been demonstrated throughout history. The book concludes with a consideration of the bird's changing significance in the modern world, as well as threats to its continued existence and its prospects for the future."e;

The natural and cultural history of an opportunistic omnivore, the raccoon.

A celebration of the ancient, unassuming yet exceptional turtle.

A vivid portrait of the formidable-looking yet sociable and intelligent crab.

An account of moles in nature, and cultures around the world.

A new cultural and natural history of the flashing, iridescent kingfisher.

A cultural and natural history of the moth, which may seem drab compared to the butterfly, but which in fact has more species and brighter colouring than its day-flying cousin.

The first in-depth account of the storied history of guinea pig and human interaction, this book shows how guinea pigs have influenced humans since earliest times, including scientists such as William Harvey, and painters from Jan Brueghel to Beatrix Potter.

A new title by best-selling author, zoologist, and former television presenter Desmond Morris, Bison is a natural and cultural history of the bison, an iconic animal of the Great Plains of America.

A funny, bold and provocative enquiry into what it means to be human.

A natural and cultural history of the majestic yet endangered polar bear.

Will be of interest not only to beekeepers and producers of honey, but also to a wide general audience who appreciate the symbolism, society and cultural meanings of this industrious creature.

A natural and cultural history of that most potent of arthropod, the scorpion.

Beaver explores the fascinating history of this small, often-overlooked, yet important animal and examines why the beaver has been hunted throughout the years, as well as looks at the unique way in which beavers form their societies.

A natural and cultural history of the 'perfect predator' - the leopard - and its depiction in literature, art, film, advertising and popular culture.

A unique exploration of the biology and history of sheep, as well as their place in literature and the other creative arts.

An enlightening and entertaining guide to the natural and cultural history of the wasp.

Zebra is a comprehensive and wide-ranging study of the natural and cultural history of this popular animal.

Highly regarded woodpecker expert Gerard Gorman presents a unique natural, social and cultural history of woodpeckers.

Filled with beguiling images throughout, Lizard is a unique and sometimes surprising introduction to this popular but little-understood reptile. Boria Sax describes the diversity of lizard species and traces the representation of this reptile in cultures worldwide.

This is a natural and cultural history of the hippopotamus, the well-loved, cumbersome, rotund mammal famous for lounging around semi-submerged in muddy pools.

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.

An up-to-date guide to the biology and cultural history of the jellyfish.