The Complete Cow (Town Square Book) [Hardcover]

Sara Rath (Author)

Book Description

Series: Town Square Book | Publication Date: October 31, 1998

A fun look at dairy and beef cows of the world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This delightful romp through the bovine world is full of both cow facts and cow trivia. One of our longest-domesticated animals, cattle are so familiar to us that we take this "foster mother of the human race" for granted. However, there are many more breeds of cattle than the familiar Holsteins and Herefords, and more to cows than milk and cow pies (the inevitable outcome of food going in the front end). Cow facts, such as the origin of domestic cattle with the now-extinct aurochs and the spread of cattle all over the world, are presented along with cow trivia, such as how to say "moo" in various languages and information on cows in mythology and religion. A particularly interesting and useful chapter lists cattle breeds of the world from Angus to Zebu, and the numerous color photographs illustrate many of these lesser-known breeds. Though not an encyclopedia reference, The Complete Cow is an entertaining look at animals many feel a great fondness for, and as such is recommended. -- (Booklist, Dec. 1998)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Voyageur Press; 4th edition (October 31, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896583759
• ISBN-13: 978-0896583757
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,478,448 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous and thoroughly enjoyable book about cow culture., October 25, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Jemez Springs, New Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Cow (Town Square Book) (Hardcover)

Sara Rath's "The Complete Cow" is a gem of a book. I was amazed by the scope and in-depth coverage of cows written in friendly first person text. It 's all so readable and interesting, you just keep turning the pages for more information about these all-important and loveable beasts. The book is full of large-format color photos, side-bars, cow jokes and interesting trivia such as how to say "Moo" in eleven languages. Did you know that the age of a cow is always based on her age when she calves? Or that Texas still leads the US in beef production? Rath writes about the mythical cow in places like Egypt, Greece and Scandinavia; cow breeds of the world (Kuri, Pinzgauer and Romagnola); and the philosophy about cows. Another section I found interesting was "Holy Cow" about how the Masia tribe of Kenya andTanzania devote their lives to cattle; the importance of cattle in Irish culture; and interesting lore about the Texas Longhorn. The Complete Cow, entertaining and witty from start to finish, is a real pleasure to hold in your hands. A great gift for anyone who loves cows!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book my friends and guests love to pick up, over and over., October 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Cow (Town Square Book) (Hardcover)

As with so many other "ordinary" things in life, I had forgotten to think about cows, and I certainly had no idea that there are so many different types. Thank goodness we have authors, like Rath, who have the ability to re-ignite the childlike wonder in us. The Complete Cow's entertaining text and stunning photos make it exactly the kind of book that my children and friends love to pick up, over and over. I'm ordering copies for my sisters for Christmas.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rath writes a bovine classic!, October 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Cow (Town Square Book) (Hardcover)

Why are cows so trendy? Why do cow calendars sell out at Christmas before their kitten and puppy counterparts? Well, the answer was a mystery to me until Sara Rath put together her incredibly well-researched account titled, THE COMPLETE COW. This book is a gas! From the truly beautifull photography -- to the hilarious "asides" on bovine history, Rath has put together a cow compendium of unrivaled proportions. A great book for animal, trivia, and history lovers alike, this book brings together Rath's fine, storied prose and a character we can't help but love.