The Mythical Zoo: An A-Z of Animals in World Myth, Legend, and Literature

Choice, March 2002
...satisfying coverage of human wisdom pierced with witty asides and mind-jolting rhetorical questions.... Don't miss this one....

Today's Books, February 20, 2002
Rated !!!!! - "Must Read"

H-Net, April 2002
...an important tool for students and scholars in many fields, as welll as for storytellers, teachers, and naturalists...

Choice, January 2003
Chosen as one of the "Outstanding Academic Titles" of 2002

Reference Reviews, vol. 16, #8 (2002)
...animals, both real and mythical, are let loose on the page and you...get to know them really well.


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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)


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