Skip to content

The Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature Hardcover - 2013

by Boria Sax


Summary

From Aesop's Fables to Mockingjay, animals have always played a pivotal role in human culture. Even today, animals wield symbolic powers as varied as the cultures that embrace them. Sacred cows, wily serpents, fearsome lions, elegant swans, busy bees, and sly foxes--all are caricatures of the creatures themselves, yet they reflect not only how different cultures see the natural world around them but also how such cultures make use of their native animals.

In this fun and thought-provoking book, historian and animal enthusiast Boria Sax argues for a classification of animals that goes beyond the biological to encompass a more meaningful distinction: tradition. From ants and elephants to tigers and tortoises, The Mythical Zoo weaves together a crosscultural tapestry encompassing mythology, history, art, science, philosophy, and literature. The result is a beautifully illustrated, masterfully composed love letter to the animal kingdom.

From the publisher

Sacred cows, wily serpents, fearsome lions, elegant swans, busy bees, and sly foxes--all are caricatures of the creatures themselves, yet they reflect not only how different cultures see the natural world around them but also how such cultures make use of their native animals. In this fun and thought-provoking book, historian and animal enthusiast Boria Sax argues for a classification of animals that goes beyond the biological to encompass a more meaningful distinction: tradition. From ants and elephants to tigers and tortoises, The Mythical Zoo weaves together a crosscultural tapestry encompassing mythology, history, art, science, philosophy, and literature. The result is a beautifully illustrated, masterfully composed love letter to the animal kingdom.

Details

  • Title The Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature
  • Author Boria Sax
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition 1st US
  • Pages 339
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Abrams Press, NY
  • Date 2013-11-29
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9781468307207 / 1468307207
  • Weight 1.75 lbs (0.79 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.2 x 7.2 x 1.4 in (23.37 x 18.29 x 3.56 cm)
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2013033492
  • Dewey Decimal Code 398.245

Media reviews

"Enter Boria Sax, the veritable Ace Ventura of contemporary academia." --New York Journal of Books

"Boria Sax is a likeable writer. His diligent research has . . . illuminated the origins of one of Britain's most famous myths." --Times Literary Supplement

"A charming, off-kilter work of history and zoology." --ForeWord

About the author

Boria Sax is the award-winning author of "City of Ravens" (available from Overlook) and "Animals of the Third Reich." His books have been translated into eight languages. He lives in White Plains, New York.
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Mythical Zoo : Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mythical Zoo : Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature

by Sax, Boria

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781468307207 / 1468307207
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£6.43
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Abrams, Inc. Used - Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
Item Price
£6.43
FREE shipping to USA
Mythical Zoo : Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mythical Zoo : Animals in Myth, Legend, and Literature

by Sax, Boria

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781468307207 / 1468307207
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£7.94
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Abrams, Inc. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
£7.94
FREE shipping to USA
Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, & Literature
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, & Literature

by Boria Sax

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781468307207 / 1468307207
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£8.87
£2.82 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Overlook/Duckworth. Used - Very Good. 2013. Hardcover. Cloth, dj. Minor shelf wear. Very Good. (Subject: Nature).
Item Price
£8.87
£2.82 shipping to USA
Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, & Literature
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mythical Zoo: Animals in Myth, Legend, & Literature

by Boria Sax

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781468307207 / 1468307207
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£9.24
£2.82 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Overlook/Duckworth. New. 2013. 1st Edition. Hardcover. New. Dust Jacket is Fine.
Item Price
£9.24
£2.82 shipping to USA
Mythical Zoo: Animals in Life, Legend, and Literature
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mythical Zoo: Animals in Life, Legend, and Literature

by Boria Sax

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781468307207 / 1468307207
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Saugerties, New York, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£24.16
£4.02 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Overlook Hardcover, November 2013. Hardcover. New.
Item Price
£24.16
£4.02 shipping to USA
Mythical Zoo: Animals in Life, Legend, and Literature
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mythical Zoo: Animals in Life, Legend, and Literature

by Sax, Boria

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781468307207 / 1468307207
Quantity Available
1
Seller
San Diego, California, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£49.72
£4.40 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Abrams Press, 2013-11-29. Hardcover. New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title!
Item Price
£49.72
£4.40 shipping to USA