Choice Review

Though the unfortunate and somewhat misleading title of this book may lead readers to think the volume is a candidate for Moses Hadas's devastating remark--"This book fills a much needed gap in the literature"--Perkins's study is a rousing success. One can be immersed in Romantic studies without ever thinking that the major writers of the period had more than commonplace affections for or attitudes toward animals. Perkins (emer., Harvard Univ.) argues that they did. He is so steeped in the poetry, novels, philosophy, and sermons of the 18th and early 19th centuries--and he writes with such clarity, verve, and commonsense on a subject often befogged by violent passions--that this volume can be recommended with confidence to anyone interested in the long and bitter controversies over animal rights. Although the arguments pro and con about the proper treatment of animals tend to be the same over time, readers will be absorbed, and distressed, to learn of the long struggle to end such brutal spectacles as cockfighting and bull baiting, and the often vicious mistreatment of farm animals. Perkins's concluding biographical essay will be immensely helpful to those interested in pursuing the surprisingly extensive writings on the subject, and the index is a model of its kind. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All collections; all levels. N. Fruman emeritus, University of Minnesota