Zoo: A History of Zoological Gardens in the West

"A fascinating and wide-ranging -history of zoos from the menageries attached to aristocratic palaces and villas in the 1500s to those in modern cities . . . provides the intriguing and often harrowing background to one of the most agonizing dilemmas of our time: with ever more species threatened with extinction in their natural habitat, should we seek to preserve them in special sanctuaries and if so where and how?"-The Times

"Not just a compendium of pretty pictures-though you'll be stunned by the 400 images-this book traces the history of zoos throughout the world. Among similar books, it is unique in exploring the social ramifications of our relations with the peaceable kingdom."-Library Journal, "Best Books of 2002"