Details
The beast appears in Old Testament texts and Greek and Roman natural histories; Christians adopted it as a symbol of Christ, the Middle Ages as a symbol of courtly love. There was a brisk trade in unicorn parts in medieval and Renaissance times, and travelers regularly reported sightings into the modern era. But by the early twentieth century the real-life contenders for the beast had been ruled out, and scientists concluded that the unicorn never existed. It turns out they were a little hasty.
Where did the unicorn come from, and how was it accepted as a part of the animal kingdom for so long? Chris Lavers argues that although the unicorn of our imagination isn't real, traces of its character can be found in existing species. In this lively and vivid exploration of the natural world, Lavers follows the beast's trail to the plateaus of India and into the jungles of Africa to unearth the flesh and blood ancestors of our iconic unicorn.
Along the way, Lavers introduces the peoples, historians, explorers, traders, and scientists who believed in the unicorn, and describes their efforts to pin it down. Its changing status—from one-horned ass to religious symbol to pure myth—reflects man's journey from superstition to scientific understanding, ultimately leading to a greater insight into the natural world.
Where did the unicorn come from, and how was it accepted as a part of the animal kingdom for so long? Chris Lavers argues that although the unicorn of our imagination isn't real, traces of its character can be found in existing species. In this lively and vivid exploration of the natural world, Lavers follows the beast's trail to the plateaus of India and into the jungles of Africa to unearth the flesh and blood ancestors of our iconic unicorn.
Along the way, Lavers introduces the peoples, historians, explorers, traders, and scientists who believed in the unicorn, and describes their efforts to pin it down. Its changing status—from one-horned ass to religious symbol to pure myth—reflects man's journey from superstition to scientific understanding, ultimately leading to a greater insight into the natural world.
Additional Information
| Author | Dr. Chris Lavers |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Harper Perennial |
| Page Count | 272pp |
| Publication Size | 6 x 8 |
| Publication Notes | trade paperback |
| Publication Date | July 20, 2010 |
| ISBN | 978-0060874155 |
You may also be interested in the following product(s)
The Cryptopedia: A Dictionary of the Weird, Strange, and Downright Bizarre
$16.95
|
Cryptozoological Play Set
$17.95
|
Beasts! Book 2
$34.99
|
Beasts! Book 1
$24.95
|
Related Products
My Cart
You have no items in your shopping cart.