Review by Choice Review
In this compilation of one- to two-pages articles, edited by Linzey (theology, Univ. of Oxford, UK), 159 contributors present various animal welfare/rights and ecology/conservation issues (heavily slanted toward the former). Discussion is global in scope, with calls for a paradigm shift in the prevailing anthropocentric attitudes toward "sentient" animals (both free living and domestic), especially those associated with food production, research/testing, hunting, and entertainment. The provision of species-specific concerns and regional perspectives is helpful. The very well-written text is highly accessible to general readers. It offers an intriguing array of eye-opening information, covering economic, legal, religious, ecological, moral, and biomedical viewpoints. However, it is also rather biased, providing some information that is deliberately distorted or grounded primarily in emotion rather than fact. Arguments are many, but largely one-sided. When dissenting perspectives are offered, they are generally short and sophomoric in nature, sometimes blatantly absurd. Contributors make many recommendations for legislating a moral compass in animal-related matters, although the implementation of many of these would be impractical. Overall, this thought-provoking book will be valuable for starting a preliminary dialogue on animal-related issues; however, many of the controversial opinions expressed will likely be embraced primarily by like-minded readers. Summing Up: Recommended. With reservations. All undergraduate students and general readers. D. A. Brass independent scholar
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
This is a very reasonably priced and information-packed collection of short essays covering animal protection across the globe. Written predominately by practitioners and academics, coverage includes history, marine life, wildlife, companion animals, and similar concerns. Entries cover topics such as Roadside zoos and menageries and Vegetarianism in Britain and America, range from a few paragraphs to a page, and feature bibliographies and cross-references. Although the print is uncomfortably small, the writing style is uncluttered and easy to follow. This title will likely see more action in a circulating collection, and it is recommended for academic and public libraries.--Lichtenstein, Art A. Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Booklist Review
