Of Wolves and Men

Originally published in 1978 this special twentyfifthanniversary edition ofthe National Book Award finalist includes an entirely new afterword in whichthe autho... » 

Originally published in 1978 this special twentyfifthanniversary edition ofthe National Book Award finalist includes an entirely new afterword in whichthe author considers the current state of knowledge about wolves and recentefforts to reintroduce wolves to their former habitats in American wildernessareas.Humankinds relationship with the wolf is based on a spectrum of responsesrunning from fear to admiration and affection. Lopezs classic careful studywon praise from a wide range of reviewers and went on to improve the way booksabout wild animals are written. Of Wolves and Men reveals the uneasyinteraction between wolves and civilization over the centuries and the wolfsprominence in our thoughts about wild creatures. Drawing on an astonishingarray of literature history science and mythology as well as considerablepersonal experience with captive and freeranging wolves Lopez argues for thenecessity of the wolfs preservation and envelops the reader in its sensoryworld creating a compelling picture of the wolf both as real animal and asimagined by man. A scientist might perceive the wolf as defined by researchdata while an Eskimo hunter sees a family provider much like himself. For manyNative Americans the wolf is also a spiritual symbol a respected animal thatcan make both the individual and the community stronger. With irresistiblecharm and elegance Of Wolves and Men celebrates scientific fieldworkdispels folklore that has enabled the Western mind to demonize wolves explainsmyths and honors indigenous traditions allowing us to further understand howthis incredible animal has come to live so strongly in the human heart. «