Review
"Kowalsky's book does a fine job in showing why there are good reasons to keep hunting in high esteem, to learn a great deal from it about human biology and culture, and to eat hunted meat." (About.com, 25 October 2011)
"Recommended. Academic and general library collections, all levels." (Choice, 1 March 2011)
"If you don't mind having your convictions challenged or your viewpoint broadened this book should be on your reading list." (Alberta Outdoorsmen, 1 May 2011)
"Just as you always see something new, even if you've walked that forest a hundred times before, certain essays can give you a glimpse of something you hadn't seen or thought of before. Some of the essays are even down-right fun to read." (Primitive Archer Magazine, January 2011)"Nathan Kowalsky provides a forum of diverse ideas and voices about "hunting" that ensemble, becomes the most recent attempt that I am aware of at showcasing serious writers on the "topic." Most of these essays are written with an intelligent audience in mind, although the reader need not be a philosopher."( The Trumpeter, 1 December 2010)
"It does provide fresh perspectives by both academic and non academic authors on a variety of hunting topics such as hunting in culture, politics and tradition; the relationship of hunting to nature and human nature and the hoary old topic of hunting ethics... In my opinion, I found it the most refreshing book of its kind that I have read in years." (AFRICAN INDABA, November 2008)
"Presenting all these diverse views in one relatively small book, a mere 258 pages, is a vision implemented, without which, most readers invested in learning more about hunting, would sorely miss if they knew their want". (Book Review , 1 December 2010).
There's a really fine essay by the biologist Valerius Geist on how hunting has played a significant role in human development. Kay, my wife, contributed an essay on bow-hunting with self-made equipment. There are other essays on the human-animal relationship, even a few comparing hunting to vegetarianism. Lots of other provocative pieces." (Leather Wall, September 2010)
"If you're interested in sharpening your thinking skills on the subject of hunting, I've got a great new book for you: Hunting - Philosophy for Everyone: In Search of the Wild Life." (NorCal Cazadora, October 2010)
"Featuring contributions from a wide range of academic and non-academic sources, including both hunters and nonhunters, this book is for general readers, especially those who hunt ("Hunting for Meaning: A Glimpse of the Game"), as well as self-professed "foodies" and vegetarians." (Fishing and Outdoors Newspaper, October 2010)
From the Back Cover
Hunting has been a cornerstone in the artistic, religious, and philosophical traditions of countless cultures throughout history – in fact, it is older than civilization itself. Yet few pursuits continue to be as controversial as hunting, for it strikes at the very core of such fundamental questions as death, embodiment, non-human life, and morality.
Hunting – Philosophy for Everyone presents a thought-provoking collection of new essays from across the academic and non-academic spectrum that move far beyond familiar arguments and debates about hunting. This philosophically stimulating book provides fresh perspectives on a variety of topics, including:
- Issues relating to the ethics of hunting
- The experiences and perspectives of the hunter
- The relationship of hunting to nature and human nature
- Hunting in culture, politics, and tradition
Hot on the trail of one of the most controversial issues in contemporary society, Hunting – Philosophy for Everyone is a stereotype-shattering volume that invites us to think deeply about what it means to be human.
