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Of Wolves and Men

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About this listen

Humankind's relationship with the wolf is the sum of a spectrum of responses ranging from fear to admiration and affection. Lopez's classic, careful study has won praise from a wide range of reviewers and improved the way books on wild animals are written. Of Wolves and Men explores the uneasy interaction between wolves and civilization over the centuries, and the wolf's prominence in our thoughts about wild creatures.

Drawing upon an impressive array of literature, history, science, and mythology as well as extensive personal experience with captive and free-ranging wolves, Lopez argues for the wolf's preservation and immerses the listener in its sensory world, creating a compelling portrait of the wolf both as a real animal and as imagined by different kinds of men. With irresistible charm and elegance, Of Wolves and Men celebrates careful scientific fieldwork, dispels folklore that has enabled the Western mind to demonize wolves, explains myths, and honors indigenous traditions, allowing us to understand how this remarkable animal has become so prominent for so long in the human heart.

©1978 Barry Holstun Lopez; Afterword copyright 2004 by Barry Holstun Lopez (P)2022 Tantor Animals Biological Sciences Environment Outdoors & Nature Science Wolf Conservation Thought-Provoking Heartfelt Mythology
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This book was interesting, but the middle chapters could have been condensed by at least two thirds.

Could have been shorter

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Lopez leaves no stone unturned as he hunts through the life of the American wolf, the way this book is written is a shining example to anyone studying natural history from an anthropological outlook

truly a master anthropologist

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The detailing of the behaviour of wolves, their persecution in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and a deeply personal epilogue make this a very good listen for anyone interested in the species.

A long enumeration of wolves in myth and literature could have made its point much more briefly.

Informative, heartfelt

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Absolutely love this albeit some sad, disturbing content if you are a wolf lover. Wonderfully written and narrated.

Brilliant!

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A comprehensive account of natural history and cultural significance of wolves. I found the account of their decimation in North America quite moving. Sadly the author is no longer with us to provide an updated edition including their resurgence and role in modern rewilding.

Wolves in the round

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