From the Publisher
How do we reconcile treating our pets like pampered house guests
but slaughtering other species of animals for food? As Erika Ritter
explores in this fresh, fascinating and eye-opening new book, at
the heart of this relationship is a paradox-a relationship that is
almost schizophrenic in its absurdity: we
humans are animals, too. Through interviews conducted around
the world with philosophers, scientists, farmers, poets, pundits
and commentators, Ritter makes her way through this strange maze of
human contradictions about our animal brethren to produce a work
that reveals as much about "us" as about "them."
About the Author
ERIKA RITTER is the author of the immensely popular novel,
The Hidden Life of Humans, a nonfiction book, The
Great Big Book of Guys: Alphabetical Encounters with Men as
well as being a columnist, playwright and broadcaster. One of her
plays, "Automatic Pilot," was seen across Canada, the United States
and Israel, and won the Chalmers Canadian Play Award for Best Play
in 1980. A CBC radio version of the play received the ACTRA award.
Erika lives in Toronto.
RIKA RITTER is the author of the immensely popular novel, The
Hidden Life of Humans, a nonfiction book, The Great Big Book of
Guys: Alphabetical Encounters with Men as well as being a
columnist, playwright and broadcaster. One of her plays, "Automatic
Pilot," was seen across Canada, the United States and Israel, and
won the Chalmers Canadian Play Award for Best Play in 1980. A CBC
radio version of the play received the ACTRA award. Erica lives in
Toronto.
About the Book
In a recent survey, 70% of respondents identified their family pet as "a member of the family." Even as these animals are revered as loved ones, the meat, fish, and dairy industries continue to thrive. Speaking to this disparity, "Dog by the Cradle, the Serpent Beneath" addresses this fascinating subject. Using interviews with philosophers, scientists, farmers, poets, and commentators, Ritter explores our complicated - and often inconsistent - relationship to the animal world.
Format: Trade Paperback
Published: March 25, 2010
Publisher: Key Porter Books
Language: English
