From giving rides to children at the British seaside
to pulling a plough in the poorest of countries, donkeys
have served humans faithfully since the time of their
domestication more than 10,000 years ago. Despite the
critical role that they have played throughout human
history, however, donkeys have often received little
respect. Donkey follows the story of this incredibly
hard-working animal. Jill Bough reveals the animal's
historic significance in Ancient Egypt where they were
once highly regarded and even worshipped. However, this
elevated status did not endure in Ancient Greece and
Rome, where donkeys were denigrated, ridiculed and
abused. Since this time, donkeys have continued to be
associated with the poorest and most marginalized in
human societies. Throughout the world, donkeys have been
used for innumerable tasks: the main ones being as pack
animals during times of peace and war, and to breed
mules. Even today, donkeys are considered to be one of
the best draught animals in third world countries, where
they continue to make a vital contribution.Jill Bough
goes beyond the practical uses of the animal by
exploring a variety of social, cultural and religious
meanings that the donkey has embodied, especially its
symbolic representations in Western literature and art.
The story of the donkey makes an important addition to
the complex and contradictory history of human and
non-human animal relationships. With accounts that are
both fascinating and touching, this book will be ideal
for anyone with an admiration of the donkey or who is
interested by animals in history. |
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