An interesting and comprehensive bibliographical guide to web sites, books and journals covering, amongst others, the areas of animal‐human relationships, animal law, animals in science and education, animal rights and welfare. This is the sort of volume that neatly and usefully fills an annoying gap in the range of reference library works for the busy librarian.
Kistler writes an interesting, thoughtful and wide ranging introduction to the book, explaining briefly and succinctly many of the ethical, moral and economic problems surrounding man's use of animals and relationships with them. There are good, lucid annotated bibliographies and surveys included, written by authoritative practitioners in the field, such as David Anderson's excellent survey of the human‐companion animal bond which brings out and ranks the best resources available to the librarian. You want to find out about dolphin‐assisted therapy? Or the role of pets in the lives of the elderly? – then Anderson's overview and annotated literature guide is very useful, directing enquirers on to the best works in the field.
The range covered in the book by various experts is breathtaking, e.g. bullfighting, rodeos, hunting, carnivorism, biodiversity, ethology. Nothing on the use of animals in war however. The busy librarian or even the casual enquirer coming to this area anew will find much of value and interest in this annotated bibliography – despite its American bias. Well written and produced, this volume fills a gap in our reference provision and, given the current interest in cloning, GM and animal rights and welfare, should prove a timely and valuable book for all.
