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Donkey: The Mystique of Equus Asinus
by Michael Tobias, Jane Morrison
Product Group: Book
Publisher: Council Oak Books (2006-11-01)
ISBN: 1571782028
EAN: 9781571782021
Dewy Decimal #: 636.182
Hardcover: 224 pages
Edition: 1
Release Date: 2006-12-10
SKU: BX031-070117002
Condition: Used: Very Good Firs
Comments: Very light dj wear, not pricecut. Pgs crisp, clean, tight, unmarked. No remainder mark.
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Editorial Reviews
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Product Description
The donkey (Equus asinus) is both ancient and mysterious and is called by many names: donkey, burro, wild jack, hinny, and ass. Donkeys and their relative, the mule (a donkey/horse cross), have lived with humans for thousands of years. References to mules date back at least 3,000 years. In the Bible, Genesis 36:24 refers to the mules in the wilderness. In Homer's Odyssey a mule cart transports Princess Nausicaa to the seashore. Mohammed rode upon a mule into battle. Jesus' family on a donkey during the flight into Egypt was a favorite subject of Renaissance painters. By the time of Don Quixote, the donkey was one of the most beloved animals in all of European literature. In Cervantes, the donkey is stubborn and faithful, loving and intelligent. Today, the humble and elegant donkey is becoming a popular companion animal. In the Western states, one can see donkeys grazing peacefully alongside horses on private land. Miniature donkeys are especially popular pets. There is also a growing awareness of donkey abuse and neglect, and donkey rescue societies have sprung up to offer aid. Along with wild horses, wild burros are part of America's heritage. Complete with history, lore, science, ecology, and inspirational stories celebrating the spiritual bond between humans and donkeys, Donkey: The Mystique of Equus Asinus expresses the joy that these saintly creatures with big, furry ears bring to our lives.
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Customer Reviews
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experience
Rating  (1)
Date: 2008-02-13
0 out of 1 customers found this reveiw helpful
I own donkeys and I did not get any useful information. I got the Idea they just visted farms with donkeys and then thew a lot of technicial information that does not help understand the donkey.
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The zen of donkeys
Rating  (5)
Date: 2008-01-20
A wonderful, warm insightful book on the delightful donkey. I read it shortly after becoming a proud owner of 2 donkeys and LOVED it. More than a how to tend your donkey book but a how to appreciate donkeys (and all other creatures)book. You don't even have to know where to pin the tail on a donkey to appreciate this book - and how donkeys are woven into our history and psyche. Read it and cherish it.
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Ambitious with beautiful images but poorly edited
Rating  (3)
Date: 2008-01-15
I had been wanting this book for a long time, but was a bit disapointed with it when I finally got it. The writers' hearts were certainly in the right place, but it was very badly edited. Many of the sentences didn't make complete sense and many times beautiful ideas were thrown out but not developed at all. I think a really good editing job would help the authors do justice for these wonderful animals.
I enjoyed "Travels with My Donkey" much more.
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Don't Miss This Book!
Rating (5)
Date: 2007-03-17
12 out of 12 customers found this reveiw helpful
There are many great things about the book. The images - photos and artwork are outstanding. There are lots of surprising facts about donkeys, mules, and the history of civilization. There is beautiful writing - weaving between the personal and the universal. There is rigorous, careful scholarship, a treasure trove of careful citations to explore. The book has a majestic sweep and keen attention to detail and accuracy. Any one of these aspects of the book would make it worth the modest price. But The truly wonderful thing about this book and the beast it describes, is that it makes you think. The book nudges the reader into unanticipated realms of philosophical reflection. It is deep and rich and wise, but like the burro, humble, sensually centered and honest. You are, for example, reading along - facts about donkeys - and then, all of a sudden, you get something like this: "What do we really know about animals? What can we say with accuracy about ourselves?" Chew on that a while! The book has dozens of such moments, opportunities to step out of the crazy, violent, acquisitive struggles of our historical moment to consider some fundamentals of the mammalian and human condition. It's a great book about a great animal and our connection to the animal world. I own two burros and have long looked to them for council. This book is utterly accurate in its portrayal of the species. It's affectionate and respectful, happliy missing the kitsch and anthropomorphism that most writers bring to books about their favorite animals. Don't miss it.
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ASSinine
Rating (3)
Date: 2006-12-21
5 out of 20 customers found this reveiw helpful
When I was young and fragile, I lived in the foothills of central California. Across the street from my trailer lived a donkey. His name was Mr. Sissy and he was pissed all of the time, except for Christmas Eve. Why? I never knew but I have my suspicions. I once tried to feed him a carrot, and a sweet carrot mind you, orange and crisp. He would not accept...I tired again...nope, he backed up...I climbed through the fence...he brayed and ATTACKED. I threw the carrot and it did nothing to phaze him! Why me? Now? Years later I read this book and it did nothing to help me understand Mr. Sissy. He is still out there. Some where.
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