Salisbury (history, Univ. of Wisconsin, Green Bay) presents an exploration of how people viewed and used animals from the fourth to the 14th centuries A.D. Clear categories separating humans and animals were established in the early Middle Ages, resulting in a definition of the uniqueness of humans as rational beings. However, through the use of animals as property, food, and sexual objects, human-animal distinctions began to break down, and the process was completed with the rediscovery of classical fables and the Reynard stories. Written for a general audience, this book may be considered an optional purchase where interest in animal rights is strong.
Robert A. Curtis, Taylor Memorial P.L., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"...a brave and fascinating exploration of an area that has so far been rather neglected by both historical and literary critics." -- Studies in the Age of Chaucer - 1996
...a brave and fascinating exploration of an area that has so far been rather neglected by both historical and literary critics. The Beast Within provides extremely valuable information on the legal and cultural background of the human-animal relationship... -- Studies in the Age of Chaucer
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