Eric Baratay, Les Animaux Dans L'Histoire

Eric Baratay, Les Animaux Dans L'Histoire, (Paris: Tallandier, 2023), 288.

The book, ‘‘Les Animaux Dans L’Histoire’’ is written by Eric Baratay and consists of 288 pages and 16 chapters. The language of the book is French. 

The book is divided into several chapters, each covering a different topic. The first chapter discusses rats in Paris, including how they are perceived by the public, the influence of literature on public opinion, historical and modern methods of controlling rat populations, and the impact of rats on culture and daily life in metropolitan areas.

Chapter 2 delves into hunting techniques in ancient Rome, exploring the cultural significance of hunting and the role of game animals in Roman culture. Chapter 3 covers the symbolic value of elephants in Asian and African civilizations, the impact of the ivory trade on elephant populations, the use of elephants in warfare, and the development of human-elephant interactions.

Moving on to Chapter 4, it explores the history and evolution of dogs, their various roles in human society, and the evolution of different dog breeds. Finally, Chapter 5 discusses the domestication of horses, their contributions to agriculture, transportation, and warfare, as well as the societal and cultural impact of their extensive use.

Eric Baratay argues that animals have had a significant impact on social systems, cultural practices, and the advancement of civilization throughout human history. Using a historical narrative approach, the author creates detailed stories of human-animal interactions from a range of sources, including historical writings, archaeological discoveries, and current scholarly investigations.

I believe "Les Animaux Dans L'Histoire" is worth reading because it provides a unique perspective on history through the lens of connections between humans and animals, a topic that is sometimes neglected in historical research. It offers insightful analyses of the various ways in which animals have influenced changes in society and cultural identities. The book also presents fascinating stories and important historical evolutions, making it an essential read for those interested in history and animal studies. The book further improves our knowledge of the past by underlining the active roles animals have played, from their domestication to their participation in warfare and their impact on economic and social norms. This book offers insightful analysis and stories for anybody curious about the interactions between human and animal histories. It is truly a must-read for broadening our awareness of our shared history with animals.