Hannah Velten is a freelance writer based in Fletching, East Sussex, and the author of Cow (Reaktion, 2007) and Milk (Reaktion, 2010).
"Velten's lively account, which draws upon famous chroniclers of
London life, including Pepys and Dickens, as well as period prints,
paintings, and photographs, explores the hidden life of animals in
the city. Like many histories, it's colourful, but shot through
with brutality. Beasts of burden were not always treated well by
their owners, and for centuries bloodsports such as bear baiting
and cockfights provided vulgar but robust entertainment. Performing
animals probably had a happier life. Among her cast of theatrical
creatures, Velten introduces Toby the Sapient Pig, who could pick
up letters written on cards and rearrange them into words, and a
'Chien Savant', who knew the Greek alphabet." -- "World of
Interiors"
"Well researched, it is written in a popular style. It covers
animal life from a variety of angles . . . beautifully produced and
packed with a variety of well-chosen images, ranging from
lithographs and photographs to paintings and cartoons." -- "Times
Literary Supplement"
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