Hare

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Described in colourful terms by early natural historians as the 'fastest, hairiest, most lascivious and most melancholy' of mammals (and also one that changed sex, never closed its eyes and occasionally grew horns) the hare is no less remarkable for its actual behaviour and capacities than for the intriguing ways in which it has been imagined and exploited throughout history. Hare examines how this animal has been described, symbolized and visually depicted, as well as utilized for its fur, flesh, body parts and exceptional speed.

Reviews

'I love the hare book' - Paul Muldoon 'The hunted, the subversive, the lascivious and the victim: the hare has been many things during its lengthy history and Simon Carnell's delightful pocket-sized book presents the story in an ingenious fashion. Natural history is blended with beautiful illustrations as the hare's place in myth, art, religion and the sporting sphere is delicately interwoven ...' - The Field 'The newest in Reaktion's wonderful series of richly illustrated books dedicated to individual animals, this is the first monograph in 35 years on one of the most fascinating of British animals. It considers the hare in history and art through the ages, explores its symbolic values, and provides the latest thinking on its behaviour, capabilities and physical nature.' - Country Life In Hare, Simon Carnell trawls through the art, legend, law and literature of this elusive quadruped that has had a more-than-fleeting presence in our culture ... an intriguing survey' - New Statesman 'Hare is impressively executed ... Carnell is an excellent guide through centuries of hare representations. He has an objectivity that serves his purpose well, in that he can offer excellent insights into human thinking. Rarely did I find Carnell's own attitudes intrusive.' - House Rabbit Journal 'A quite fascinating book that seemed to be the epitome of this fabulous animal. A must read - and at what a bargain price.' - Highland News

Author Bio

Simon Carnell is a freelance writer, reviewer, translator and poet. He has reviewed for and published poems in many publications including the TLS, Sunday Times, Spectator, New Statesman, Guardian, London Review of Books, Poetry Review, Harvard Review and Modern Painters, and he is the author of Notes of Several Experiments (2003).