Binding: Hardcover Dewey Decimal Number: 636.182 EAN: 9781571782021 Format: Illustrated ISBN: 1571782028 Label: Council Oak Books Manufacturer: Council Oak Books Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 224 Publication Date: November 01, 2006 Publisher: Council Oak Books Release Date: December 10, 2006 Sales Rank: 197977 Studio: Council Oak Books
Product DescriptionThe donkey (Equus asinus) is both ancient and mysterious and is called by many names: donkey, burro, wild jack, hinny, and ass. Donkeys and their relative, the mule (a donkey/horse cross), have lived with humans for thousands of years. References to mules date back at least 3,000 years. In the Bible, Genesis 36:24 refers to the mules in the wilderness. In Homer's Odyssey a mule cart transports Princess Nausicaa to the seashore. Mohammed rode upon a mule into battle. Jesus' family on a donkey during the flight into Egypt was a favorite subject of Renaissance painters. By the time of Don Quixote, the donkey was one of the most beloved animals in all of European literature. In Cervantes, the donkey is stubborn and faithful, loving and intelligent. Today, the humble and elegant donkey is becoming a popular companion animal. In the Western states, one can see donkeys grazing peacefully alongside horses on private land. Miniature donkeys are especially popular pets. There is also a growing awareness of donkey abuse and neglect, and donkey rescue societies have sprung up to offer aid. Along with wild horses, wild burros are part of America's heritage. Complete with history, lore, science, ecology, and inspirational stories celebrating the spiritual bond between humans and donkeys, Donkey: The Mystique of Equus Asinus expresses the joy that these saintly creatures with big, furry ears bring to our lives.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - experience
I own donkeys and I did not get any useful information. I got the Idea they just visted farms with donkeys and then thew a lot of technicial information that does not help understand the donkey.
Rating: - The zen of donkeys
A wonderful, warm insightful book on the delightful donkey. I read it shortly after becoming a proud owner of 2 donkeys and LOVED it. More than a how to tend your donkey book but a how to appreciate donkeys (and all other creatures)book. You don't even have to know where to pin the tail on a donkey to appreciate this book - and how donkeys are woven into our history and psyche. Read it and cherish it.
Rating: - Ambitious with beautiful images but poorly edited
I had been wanting this book for a long time, but was a bit disapointed with it when I finally got it. The writers' hearts were certainly in the right place, but it was very badly edited. Many of the sentences didn't make complete sense and many times beautiful ideas were thrown out but not developed at all. I think a really good editing job would help the authors do justice for these wonderful animals.
I enjoyed "Travels with My Donkey" much more.
Rating: - Don't Miss This Book!
There are many great things about the book. The images - photos and artwork are outstanding. There are lots of surprising facts about donkeys, mules, and the history of civilization. There is beautiful writing - weaving between the personal and the universal. There is rigorous, careful scholarship, a treasure trove of careful citations to explore. The book has a majestic sweep and keen attention to detail and accuracy. Any one of these aspects of the book would make it worth the modest price. ... Read More
Rating: - ASSinine
When I was young and fragile, I lived in the foothills of central California. Across the street from my trailer lived a donkey. His name was Mr. Sissy and he was pissed all of the time, except for Christmas Eve. Why? I never knew but I have my suspicions. I once tried to feed him a carrot, and a sweet carrot mind you, orange and crisp. He would not accept...I tired again...nope, he backed up...I climbed through the fence...he brayed and ATTACKED. I threw the carrot and it did nothing to phaze him! Why ... Read More
- experience
- The zen of donkeys
- Ambitious with beautiful images but poorly edited
