For the Prevention of Cruelty: The History and Legacy of Animal Rights Activism in the United States [Paperback]

Diane L. Beers (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0804010870 | ISBN-13: 978-0804010870 | Publication Date: July 1, 2006

Animal rights. Those two words conjure diverse but powerful images and reactions. Some nod in agreement, while others roll their eyes in contempt. Most people fall somewhat uncomfortably in the middle, between endorsement and rejection, as they struggle with the profound moral, philosophical, and legal questions provoked by the debate. Today, thousands of organizations lobby, agitate, and educate the public on issues concerning the rights and treatment of nonhumans. For the Prevention of Cruelty is the first history of organized advocacy on behalf of animals in the United States to appear in nearly a half century. Diane Beers demonstrates how the cause has shaped and reshaped itself as it has evolved within the broader social context of the shift from an industrial to a postindustrial society. Until now, the legacy of the movement in the United States has not been examined. Few Americans today perceive either the companionship or the consumption of animals in the same manner as did earlier generations. Moreover, powerful and lingering bonds connect the seemingly disparate American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of the nineteenth century and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals of today. For the Prevention of Cruelty tells an intriguing and important story that reveals society’s often changing relationship with animals through the lens of those who struggled to shepherd the public toward a greater compassion.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Destined to become a classic in its field, historian Beers's study of the animal advocacy movement in the U.S. since the ASPCA's founding in 1866 fills a glaring historical gap with exceptional style, accuracy and insight. Beers observes that while involvement in the animal rights movement has exploded since the 1975 publication of Peter Singer's Animal Liberation, with more than 7,000 organizations today representing more than 10 million members, the movement has "historical amnesia." To counter this, she shows how animal rights activism "has been far more successful historically and has had a far greater impact of society than previously suggested." Displaying an impressive mastery of social and environmental contexts, the author reviews a range of activism, from the influence of the abolitionist movement on "radical humanists" working for the emancipation of animals in the post"Civil War era, through the antivivisection movement of the late 19th century (which numbered Mark Twain as a member), to the impact of historic legislation such as the 1958 federal Humane Slaughter Act. Beers delivers a superbly convincing account of how early animal advocates "made the developments of 1975 and the years thereafter possible." B&w illus. (July)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as the reader learns here, was founded in 1866, and today more than 7,000 organizations are concerned with the rights and treatment of animals. Much of this study, Beers explains, explores organizations located in the eastern and mid-Atlantic regions, where most animal-advocacy activities occurred. She covers the period between 1865 and 1975, the year when Peter Singer's book Animal Liberation signaled a shift in the cause toward what she labels "liberation ideology." This movement has altered beliefs and actions regarding such varied issues as trapping, sport hunting, dog- and cockfights, strays, scientific experiments, and slaughter. The gains are undeniable, Beers points out; many people have stopped eating veal, wearing fur, or buying products tested on animals, but internal divisions still prevent a more cohesive and powerful movement. Beers' research is immense; there are 62 pages of notes, plus a bibliography. The book is an insightful look at an imperative movement. George Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Swallow Press (July 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804010870
• ISBN-13: 978-0804010870
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Animal Rights

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book, November 2, 2006

By 

C. Ramsey - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: For the Prevention of Cruelty: The History and Legacy of Animal Rights Activism in the United States (Paperback)

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an accurate historical document pertaining to the Animal Rights/Animal Welfare movement.

I have not found another book like this. Diane Beers has gave fantastic analysis and history for this movement. The book does not take sides. It is a fantastic history and a remarkable tool if one is looking for nonbiased information.

She covers a great many groups, important individuals, linkages between various groups.

This book has became essential to my research in this area.

An added benefit is that she is a remarkable and inciteful writer AND SHE IS INTERESTING. She is a great story teller and that makes this book ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MOST Important Book, December 17, 2006

By 

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, author of The Joy o... (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: For the Prevention of Cruelty: The History and Legacy of Animal Rights Activism in the United States (Paperback)

I saw Diane speak at a conference and was blown away. When she introduced her book and outlined its contents, I couldn't believe this story hadn't been told before. I can safely say I think this is one of the most important books to be published - not only for the animal protection movement but for all social justice causes. Diane is an eloquent writer (and speaker), creating an interesting narrative that would interest anyone who's ever adopted a dog or a cat, given money to their local SPCA, or who works on behalf of the voiceless. I highly recommend this book!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for animal advocates, March 24, 2007

By 

J. Camp (Takoma Park, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: For the Prevention of Cruelty: The History and Legacy of Animal Rights Activism in the United States (Paperback)

Reading some basic history of animal advocacy, one might be left with the impression that nothing of significance took place before the publication of Animal Liberation in 1975 and the subsequent work of Henry Spira. For The Prevention of Cruelty is a nice counter to those notions and highlights the advocacy prior to the publication of Animal Liberation -- advocacy that started shortly after the Civil War and whose leaders were steeped in the push for abolition, women's suffrage, etc.

The book is accessible and fascinating. Being involved in animal advocacy, it's heartening to know how deep our roots are, to see today's advocacy as part of a long-standing tradition, to know what has worked in the past and what has failed. Highly recommended.