The Beast Within: Animals in the Middle Ages [Hardcover]

Joyce E. Salisbury (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

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

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (May 5, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415907683
• ISBN-13: 978-0415907682
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #5,900,594 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Something to think about, September 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Beast Within: Animals in the Middle Ages (Paperback)

Well-researched treatment of Western society's relationships with the domestic animal kingdom. Citing literature, art and historical accounts, this book traces the history of animals as fictional characters, anthropomorphic characters, beasts of burden, food, companions, and even lovers to humans. Interesting and enlightening stories accompany statistics to unjudgmentally describe these relationships and society's reaction.

I would love to see a sequel dealing with other cultures.