Animal Heroes; being the Histories of a Cat, a Dog, a Pigeon, a Lynx, two Wolves, and a Reindeer

Abstract

SETON has always something fresh and interesting to tell his readers, and in the present beautifully illustrated volume breaks new ground in attempting to reveal some aspects of the strenuous side of the lives of animals, both wild and domesticated. Every one of the stories, we are told—although of course amplified and set out with the picturesque surroundings the uthor knows so well how to portray—is founded on the actual life of some individual bird or quadruped; the biography of the lynx being based on the author's own backwood experjences. Where all is so good, fresh, and entertaining, it seems almost invidious to select one portion of the book for special commendation. To our thinking, however, the almost pathetic story of “Arnaux,” the homing-pigeon, is far ahead of the rest in sustained interest; but some may prefer history of the tame wolf, while to others, again, the narrative of the wild reindeer may appeal more strongly. Alike to young and old the book may be heartily commended as an excellent example of the best style of animal biography. Animal Heroes; being the Histories of a Cat, a Dog, a Pigeon, a Lynx, two Wolves, and a Reindeer. By E. T. Seton. Pp. 362; illustrated. (London: Archibald Constable and Co., Ltd., 1906.) Price 6s. net.