The Inner World of Farm Animals
This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
While books on the habits, quirks and capabilities of wildlife, insects and birdlife abound there aren’t too many out there that deal with farm animals (unless you’re looking for children’s books that is). Which is why I found Amy Hatkoff’s new book ‘The Inner World of Farm Animals’ so captivating.
Packed full of lovely pictures, endearing anecdotes and compelling research, this book is much more than a catalogue of farm animals and their habits - it’s a celebration.
Hatkoff draws our attention to the lives of animals that are most commonly used for food (chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, cows, pigs, sheep and goats) in several different chapters. Using the latest discoveries in animal behaviour she points out the abilities of these animals to remember, plan, feel and socialise.
Divided into short sections within each chapter, this book is a really easy read and would make for a great coffee table book or gift. The many anecdotes, wonderful pictures, accessible design and inspiring quotes mean that this will not be one of those books that end up relegated to your reference shelf - you’ll want to keep this one nearby.
What other people are saying:
‘Beautiful, evocative and pretty much perfect - this book will leave you changed for the better.‘ - Rory Freedman, co-author of Skinny Bitch
‘This beautiful, well-researched book should make every meat-eater think differently about the lives of the animals that turn up on his or her plate.’ - Peter Singer, Princeton University, author of Animal Liberation
‘Amy Hatkoff’s insightful book addresses a question we’ve finally started asking: just how evolved is our place in the food chain, anyway? It’s time we realised we are dealing with sentient beings rather than assembly-line widgets. Books like this one point to a more enlightened road: the future depends on us taking it.’ - Dan Barber, Owner and Executive Chef, Blue Hill Restaurants
From the author:
The following is a short clip from Amy Hatkoff, author of The Inner World of Farm Animals, about why she wrote the book and a few of her favourite anecdotes:
‘Now I can look at you in peace; I don’t eat you anymore.’ - Franz Kafka (Novelist)
If you’ve found yourself much more interested in the habits, lives and worlds of farm animals since going vegan (as I have) and are looking for a solid and positive guide to their social, emotional and intellectual capacities, this may well be the book for you. (Added bonus: if you do decide to buy a copy you’ll also be helping the animals directly as a portion of all profits from the book will go towards animal protection organisations).
June 5th, 2009 at 12:31 am
Oh… I’m so glad I found this site. I love the way veganism is presented - And the link you have for those who transition is a great one to refer people to.
Thanks for this enjoyable site - Now I have to read this book!
Hooray for all you do for the animals.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:50 am
Thanks Bea - I’m a big fan of your site too! And the book is a really nice read.
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm
i love cows and sheep :0
duh