Deer

Animal Series

by John Fletcher

The Celts called them “fairy cattle” and the Greeks associated them with the hunter goddess Artemis, but for most people today, deer are seen as cute, like Bambi, or noble, like the Monarch of the Glen. They can be a danger when we're driving at night, or they can simply be a tasty venison burger. But while we may not often eat humble pie—an actual pie filled with deer organs—deer still appear in religion and mythology, on coats of arms, in fine art, and in literature ranging from The Yearling to Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia . In Deer , veterinarian and deer farmer John Fletcher brings together the cultural and natural history of these dignified animals.

 

Fletcher traces the evolution of deer, explaining why deer grow and cast aside their antlers each year and describing their symbolism in various cultures throughout history. He divulges the true story of Rudolph and Santa’s other reindeer and explores the role deer have played as prized objects of the hunt in Europe, Asia, and America. Wide-ranging and richly illustrated, Deer provides a fresh perspective on this graceful, powerful animal that will appeal to hunters and gatherers alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, when the author isn't rhapsodising about teh Sacredness of teh Hunt.

[Sophy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been what I would call a "bedside" book. One of those books that I leave by the bed and read a few pages to make myself ultra snoozy before going to sleep! I chose this book as its not a "story" that needs to be read in one go. It can be dipped in and out of in short segments.

So I've been reading this on and off since Christmas 2018 (after my hubby bought it for me as a present).

The writing is informed, detailed, interesting, and visually stimulating with associated photographs.

Everything you wanted to know about deer in a literal, metaphorical, historical and cultural sense, is between these pages.

[Avesta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, incredibly informative. Very enjoyable read, Fletcher discusses the family (origins) of deer, how they survive, how they are exploited, how they're hunted and depicted in art and symbolism, their status in North America, and how they are portrayed today, in such great depth. There's also quite a useful timeline at the end as well. Very well structured, wouldn't mind reading this again.