Donkey: The Mystique of Equus Asinus [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Michael Tobias (Author), Jane Morrison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2006

The 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.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Donkeys, often seen as the horse's humble, lesser-born relatives, receive their tribute here. The authors--conservationists, ecologists, and environmental educators--were both smitten by encounters with Equus asinus at an early age. They write of their fascination with this ubiquitous beast of burden, their friendships with donkeys, and donkeys' conversations with each other. In loving, poetic prose, the authors perambulate through the donkey's landscape, examining their role in human affairs, history, art and agriculture. The donkey is a richly social animal, a characteristic that winds throughout the text and enlivens the narrative. The authors often touch on humans' mistreatment of donkeys over the millennia and of the donkeys' continued patience with their tormentors. They examine the natural history of the species, their strength and endurance, and their role in human affairs. A surprising number of donkey facts, supported by extensive endnotes, are infused into what is overall a lovely paean to the donkey. Copiously illustrated with color photos and artwork. Nancy Bent
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Dr. Michael Tobias, PhD, has traveled to some 60 countries where he has specialized in an interdisciplinary approach to environmental history, scientific, ethical, aesthetic and philosophical frameworks for policy research and strategies, demographic analysis, ecological anthropology, and non-violence activism. Tobias is the author of more than 30 books and has directed, written, and/or produced well over one hundred films for broadcast throughout the world. In 1996, Tobias received the "Courage of Conscience Award" for his commitment to animals.

Jane Morrison's ecology work has taken her to some 30 countries. As a filmmaker, Ms. Morrison has produced numerous films for such networks as Discovery, PBS and Turner Broadcasting. She has just completed the feature documentary films "Mad Cowboy" and "No Vacancy" and is presently in production on a feature film on ecologically endangered regions and species on the planet.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Council Oak Books; 1 edition (December 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571782028
• ISBN-13: 978-1571782021
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #712,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Donkey: the surprise book of 2006, December 18, 2006

By 

Techno-head "Weber" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Donkey: The Mystique of Equus Asinus (Hardcover)

I was skeptical when I was handed this book by one of my fellow lawyers in the office. Why on earth would I be interested in a book about, of all subjects, Donkeys, unless it happened to be about the Democratic party? But the images throughout the book were so enticing I decided to invest my time and read this book. Well, what a surprise! I had no idea of the rich history, elogence, complexity, culture and travails of what I had always perceived of as the simple, stupid donkey. And perhaps the most interesting fact of all: if you are referred to as a donkey, (or its more popular pseudonym), is that it is actually a compliment, not an insult! Turns out that donkeys are really smart. Who knew? I would highly recommend this book if you want a fun, interesting, and eye-opening read. How Michael Tobias got on to this subject is baffling; what he did with his "tail" will enchant you.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Miss This Book!, March 17, 2007

By 

Michael A. Thomas (New Mexico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Donkey: The Mystique of Equus Asinus (Hardcover)

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. But The truly wonderful thing about this book and the beast it describes, is that it makes you think. The book nudges the reader into unanticipated realms of philosophical reflection. It is deep and rich and wise, but like the burro, humble, sensually centered and honest. You are, for example, reading along - facts about donkeys - and then, all of a sudden, you get something like this: "What do we really know about animals? What can we say with accuracy about ourselves?" Chew on that a while! The book has dozens of such moments, opportunities to step out of the crazy, violent, acquisitive struggles of our historical moment to consider some fundamentals of the mammalian and human condition. It's a great book about a great animal and our connection to the animal world. I own two burros and have long looked to them for council. This book is utterly accurate in its portrayal of the species. It's affectionate and respectful, happliy missing the kitsch and anthropomorphism that most writers bring to books about their favorite animals. Don't miss it.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a fun and charming book, December 15, 2006

By 

Don Cannon "Don" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Donkey: The Mystique of Equus Asinus (Hardcover)

I had a great time reading it. Everyone who loves equines or animals in general should have it in their library.