Beaver

Description

Rachel Poliquin's Beaver explores the storied history of this small, often forgotten animal. Poliquin examines why the beaver has been hunted throughout the years, from its fur to the scent produced by its musk gland, as well as looking at the unique way in which beavers form their societies. She also discusses how beavers are not only builders but also architects, manipulating water and landscape to fit their needs for a home. Poliquin uncovers the nature of an animal not usually discussed at length, showing their true worth in the world today.

Rachel Poliquin is a writer and curator. She is the author of The Breathless Zoo: Taxidermy and the Cultures of Longing (2012). She lives in Vancouver, Canada.

"Another in the Animal series of handsome, pocket-sized studies of interesting animals and their relations with humanity down the ages. Strong on style and illustration, this book impresses just as much with its content. It's fascinating to learn just how complex beavers' construction is and what makes them so well-equipped."-- "Scotland Outdoors" "Poliquin's book is a natural history, an almanac of mythology and amusing anecdotes from the intermingled histories of beavers and humans. Reaktion has produced a library of animal books ranging from Albatross to Walrus . . . and Beaver is Poliquin's worthy contribution . . . filled with handsome engravings and historic illustrations."-- "Literary Review of Canada"