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For the Love of Animals: The Rise of the Animal Protection Movement
The engaging story of how an unlikely group of extraordinary people laid the foundation for the legal protection of animals
In eighteenth-century England—where cockfighting and bullbaiting drew large crowds, and the abuse of animals was routine—the idea of animal protection was dismissed as laughably radical. But as pets became more common, human attitudes toward animals evolved steadily. An unconventional duchess defended their intellect in her writings. A gentleman scientist believed that animals should be treated with compassion. And with the concentrated efforts of an eccentric Scots barrister and a flamboyant Irishman, the lives of beasts—and, correspondingly, men and women—began to change.
Kathryn Shevelow, a respected eighteenth-century scholar, gives us the dramatic story of the bold reformers who braved attacks because they sympathized with the plight of creatures everywhere. More than just a history, this is an eye-opening exploration into how our feelings toward animals reveal our ideas about ourselves, God, mercy, and nature. Accessible and lively, For the Love of Animals is a captivating cultural narrative that takes us into the lives of animals—and into the minds of humans—during some of history's most fascinating times.
In eighteenth-century England—where cockfighting and bullbaiting drew large crowds, and the abuse of animals was routine—the idea of animal protection was dismissed as laughably radical. But as pets became more common, human attitudes toward animals evolved steadily. An unconventional duchess defended their intellect in her writings. A gentleman scientist believed that animals should be treated with compassion. And with the concentrated efforts of an eccentric Scots barrister and a flamboyant Irishman, the lives of beasts—and, correspondingly, men and women—began to change.
Kathryn Shevelow, a respected eighteenth-century scholar, gives us the dramatic story of the bold reformers who braved attacks because they sympathized with the plight of creatures everywhere. More than just a history, this is an eye-opening exploration into how our feelings toward animals reveal our ideas about ourselves, God, mercy, and nature. Accessible and lively, For the Love of Animals is a captivating cultural narrative that takes us into the lives of animals—and into the minds of humans—during some of history's most fascinating times.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published June 24, 2008
11 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 15, 2008
Every once and awhile I come across a book I not only enjoy but end up buying copies for others. I'm in between those two stages now, but my mother already saw the cover (I got to hold onto to it because it was inscribed to me), so a copy will be sent to Fresno pretty soon.
There are two major pitfalls to which historical books can fall prey:
1) too narrow a focus that prevents the reader from understanding the context that made any of the topic's events possible;
2) too broad a focus that leads to the lack of a coherent narrative.
This book manages to avoid both of these dangers. Each chapter could be taken on its own as a separate case study. Each tells an engaging story centered around one or two historical figures, but all of them do connect to tell the overarching history of the animal rights movement and changes in parts of English society that made the eventual passage of anti-cruelty laws and the founding of the RSPCA possible.
The biggest surprise was that even though it does delve into the horrible circumstances that made it necessary to have anti-cruelty laws in the first place, it also has a wonderful sense of humor.
Like Hochschild's Bury the Chains and Thomas's Man and the Natural World, it also succeeds in doing something rare: it tells a history that doesn't try to twist its era to fit the worldviews of its readers - it makes its subject relevant to readers by expanding that worldview. I didn't finish the book with a self-congratulatory feeling of "how far we've come" regarding the treatment of animals; instead, it lead me to start thinking how much more I could and should do in my own life to help bring about a more ethical world.
There are two major pitfalls to which historical books can fall prey:
1) too narrow a focus that prevents the reader from understanding the context that made any of the topic's events possible;
2) too broad a focus that leads to the lack of a coherent narrative.
This book manages to avoid both of these dangers. Each chapter could be taken on its own as a separate case study. Each tells an engaging story centered around one or two historical figures, but all of them do connect to tell the overarching history of the animal rights movement and changes in parts of English society that made the eventual passage of anti-cruelty laws and the founding of the RSPCA possible.
The biggest surprise was that even though it does delve into the horrible circumstances that made it necessary to have anti-cruelty laws in the first place, it also has a wonderful sense of humor.
Like Hochschild's Bury the Chains and Thomas's Man and the Natural World, it also succeeds in doing something rare: it tells a history that doesn't try to twist its era to fit the worldviews of its readers - it makes its subject relevant to readers by expanding that worldview. I didn't finish the book with a self-congratulatory feeling of "how far we've come" regarding the treatment of animals; instead, it lead me to start thinking how much more I could and should do in my own life to help bring about a more ethical world.
February 26, 2009
Very interesting. This book taught me:
What bullbaiting is: Tethering a bull to a stake and releasing dogs (up to 30) that would attack the bull in waves, tearing open its flesh while the frantic bull fought back with it's horns, bucking the dogs into the air (which usually killed them). This would take place in an arena. Genteel men and women would watch in amusement.
That Descartes (16th century) thought that animals were organic machines or "automata." One of his followers noted that when you strike a key on an organ, it makes a sound but it doesn't feel anything-comparable to when you beat a dog, it may cry, but it doesn't feel anything. The author points out the Cartesian observation that "If beasts could actually feel, then no god who is truly good would permit us to be cruel to them. In order to believe in God's goodness, we must believe that animals are machines."
That Alexander Pope was an animal lover who wrote affectionately about his pets.
That the artist William Hogarth played a big part in the early animal protection movement. His series of engravings, The Four Stages of Cruelty, depict different stages in his fictional character Tom Nero's life. He is shown torturing a dog in the street among many other cruel acts made by lower class boys. As he gets older, his cruelty extends to humanity and he is inevitably executed. The artist intended to evoke pity for animals and is quoted explaining that he created this series of engravings "in hopes of preventing in some degree that cruel treatment of poor animals which makes the streets of London more disagreeable to the human mind than anything what ever. The very describing of which gives pain." I was not very familiar with William Hogarth's art before reading this book, now I am excited about viewing more.
I learned about Humanity Dick, or "Hair-Trigger Dick" the flamboyant Irish Duelist who once dueled to avenge the murder of a dog. Through parliament, Humanity Dick paved the way for animal activists. He was a lovely man.
This book exposes the filth of London through the 19th century. The horrific abuse that was day to day. It was devastating to read some of these things, but insightful.
You would think we'd have come further by now, there's still so much cruelty but now the public is not involved. In the 18th century, poet John Oswald said "we are able to feed on animals without remorse because the dying struggles of the butchered creature are secluded from our sight, because his cries pierce not our ear, because his agonizing shrieks sing not into our soul. were we forced, with our own hands, to assasinate the animals whom we devour, who is there among us that would not throw down, with detestation, the knife?"
What bullbaiting is: Tethering a bull to a stake and releasing dogs (up to 30) that would attack the bull in waves, tearing open its flesh while the frantic bull fought back with it's horns, bucking the dogs into the air (which usually killed them). This would take place in an arena. Genteel men and women would watch in amusement.
That Descartes (16th century) thought that animals were organic machines or "automata." One of his followers noted that when you strike a key on an organ, it makes a sound but it doesn't feel anything-comparable to when you beat a dog, it may cry, but it doesn't feel anything. The author points out the Cartesian observation that "If beasts could actually feel, then no god who is truly good would permit us to be cruel to them. In order to believe in God's goodness, we must believe that animals are machines."
That Alexander Pope was an animal lover who wrote affectionately about his pets.
That the artist William Hogarth played a big part in the early animal protection movement. His series of engravings, The Four Stages of Cruelty, depict different stages in his fictional character Tom Nero's life. He is shown torturing a dog in the street among many other cruel acts made by lower class boys. As he gets older, his cruelty extends to humanity and he is inevitably executed. The artist intended to evoke pity for animals and is quoted explaining that he created this series of engravings "in hopes of preventing in some degree that cruel treatment of poor animals which makes the streets of London more disagreeable to the human mind than anything what ever. The very describing of which gives pain." I was not very familiar with William Hogarth's art before reading this book, now I am excited about viewing more.
I learned about Humanity Dick, or "Hair-Trigger Dick" the flamboyant Irish Duelist who once dueled to avenge the murder of a dog. Through parliament, Humanity Dick paved the way for animal activists. He was a lovely man.
This book exposes the filth of London through the 19th century. The horrific abuse that was day to day. It was devastating to read some of these things, but insightful.
You would think we'd have come further by now, there's still so much cruelty but now the public is not involved. In the 18th century, poet John Oswald said "we are able to feed on animals without remorse because the dying struggles of the butchered creature are secluded from our sight, because his cries pierce not our ear, because his agonizing shrieks sing not into our soul. were we forced, with our own hands, to assasinate the animals whom we devour, who is there among us that would not throw down, with detestation, the knife?"
March 4, 2021
I wouldn't say it was extremely exciting or that it kept me glued to the page, but it was a well-researched book presenting the history of the animal rights movement in the UK. It was interesting to learn more about it and what lead to the establishment of such movement(s) and how hard the founders fought for it. I could've done without some of the examples of cruelty inflicted upon animals in the past, however, the book and the point it's trying to make would not be complete without this information.
October 26, 2008
I found this book well-written, well-researched, informative and even entertaining. There are parts I just had to skip, however, as they dealt with details of animal abuse which were just too painful to endure. But I learned a lot of things I didn't know before! For example, there was a time when, if an animal killed a person, it would be put on trial, a real trial! and if "convicted" it would be executed. How ridiculous and horrible. But the move toward legislation that would protect animals was slow and difficult, those advocating protection for animals most often ridiculed and considered insane even. Yet their efforts parallel those of anti-slavery legislators in many ways. If you care about animals, you will find this an interesting read.
October 13, 2008
"People who abominate the killing of other animals, Pythagoras believed, will consider it an even greater wrong to kill another human or go to war. Oswald himself held that cruelty to animals led to cruelty to humans."
September 1, 2020
Shevelow recounts the slow rise of human compassion for animals, with all its twists of moral reasoning. She leads us from the theological justifications for human supremacy of Thomas Aquinas, to the fairly impartial trials of animals charged with criminal behavior of later medieval times, to the origins of Christian pastoral support for mercy to the beasts. Then we get philosophical absurdities such as those of John Holwell (1711–1798), a British governor of colonial India, whose acceptance of belief in reincarnation led him to announce support for animal rights in England, because animals could be reincarnated loved ones. Holwell expressed a hope that his message of compassion for lesser beings would have a special appeal for women, because he felt they were closer to animals than to men. Fortunately, as Shevelow shows, there was yet hope for England, as the modern animals rights movement gathered steam.
January 7, 2018
We love animals,so why we still hunting deers,eating pigs and cows? This book is talking about how animal protection movement evolving and how the way we treat animals changes from #animals are born for human # to # we are the same,but just a little bit of different #. From # best breakfast is milk,bacon and eggs # to #go vegan#,from #animal rights is equal anti human #to #treat animals better means human lives better #,that is how human changing to a friendly way to treat other living things in the world.
February 27, 2022
This was a 2.5 star that I've rounded down to 2 stars. It was okay.
Informative and at time horrifying to see how animals were treated in the 17th-19th centuries, it felt like there was just a bit too much superfluous information. This led to a lower intrigue score and overall lower enjoyment of the read. The details helped pain a picture, but it went a bit overboard.
A well researched and factual account of the treatment of animals throughout industrialized society.
Informative and at time horrifying to see how animals were treated in the 17th-19th centuries, it felt like there was just a bit too much superfluous information. This led to a lower intrigue score and overall lower enjoyment of the read. The details helped pain a picture, but it went a bit overboard.
A well researched and factual account of the treatment of animals throughout industrialized society.
April 1, 2021
A very inspiring read! There was so much history I was unaware of, this book is very thorough and engaging.
December 14, 2009
Most people seem to agree that on some level, animal abuse is wrong. Whether this judgment is applied equally across species, however, is another matter. One hardly has to look further for modern examples of animal rights cognitive dissonance than the public outcry against Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring. Overwhelmingly, the people most outraged are those who also continue to support factory farm systems that abuse cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and countless other animals in the name of convenient clothing, beauty products, and meals.
Regardless of how you justify these contradictions—whether or not you participate in the paradox—a book like Kathryn Shevelow’s For the Love of Animals puts the history behind animal rights into perspective. Using her training as a historian, Shevelow begins in seventeenth century England and teases out the nuances of the last few centuries of animal abuse and animal activism. While you may learn a lot of trivia—that, for instance, the word “vivisection” was first recognized in the 1707 Oxford English Dictionary—the content is by no means trivial.
Throughout Shevelow’s comprehensive account, early animal activists like Margaret Cavendish and Richard “Humanity Dick” Martin are introduced and colorful scenes of early London marketplaces are depicted. Like many accounts of gradual revolution, much of Shevelow’s narrative takes place in the streets, where animals were bought, sold, and beaten. Along the way, as animal cruelty in public ran parallel to the rise of domesticated pets, animals were recognized in humanistic ways. Animal performers—that is, dancing dogs and drum-beating monkeys—served to remind people that all living beings are less removed from one another than we’d like to believe. Animals were taken to court for crimes, and many were found guilty and executed. Even more bewildering, stories of “monstrous births” emerged in the early 1700s. While the obsession of women giving birth to non-human animals eventually died down, even these notably strange events proved that the relationship between animals and humans was becoming inextricably complicated.
Shevelow details the heinous attractions of not-so-distant times: cockthrowing and cockfighting, bullbaiting and bullrunning, dog and horse racing, ratting, and hunting with hounds. Though it’s tough to be objective, I’d like to assume that even the most outspoken, animal-hating carnivore might be disturbed by Shevelow’s descriptions. She also documents that even centuries ago, several prominent observers of animal-based amusements were deeply disturbed by what they witnessed.
She additionally makes mention of many contemporary issues in animal rights activism and vegetarian practice. Citing the story of Dr. George Cheyne, who restored his once doomed health by removing meat from his diet, Shevelow offers historical evidence that plant-based diets can have notable health benefits. There is also mention of religious beliefs that indicate souls moving between species. If you belong to a faith that believes in reincarnation, for instance, you’re less likely to kill animals, lest you become one in a later lifetime.
The book ends with the successful founding of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in the mid-nineteenth century. As a history text, this one is thorough and happily ends on a victorious high note.
On the other hand, analysis of contemporary activism and food justice movements only receives a frustratingly short two-page conclusion and lacks a lot of analysis about the current state of animal cruelty in the Western world. Praising the efforts of typical figureheads Michael Pollan, Peter Singer, and PETA’s Ingrid Newkirk, Shevelow seems convinced that consciousness and change has advanced as it should. Maybe that’s why she’s a historian and I’m not. For me, progress can never come quickly enough.
Review by Brittany Shoot
Regardless of how you justify these contradictions—whether or not you participate in the paradox—a book like Kathryn Shevelow’s For the Love of Animals puts the history behind animal rights into perspective. Using her training as a historian, Shevelow begins in seventeenth century England and teases out the nuances of the last few centuries of animal abuse and animal activism. While you may learn a lot of trivia—that, for instance, the word “vivisection” was first recognized in the 1707 Oxford English Dictionary—the content is by no means trivial.
Throughout Shevelow’s comprehensive account, early animal activists like Margaret Cavendish and Richard “Humanity Dick” Martin are introduced and colorful scenes of early London marketplaces are depicted. Like many accounts of gradual revolution, much of Shevelow’s narrative takes place in the streets, where animals were bought, sold, and beaten. Along the way, as animal cruelty in public ran parallel to the rise of domesticated pets, animals were recognized in humanistic ways. Animal performers—that is, dancing dogs and drum-beating monkeys—served to remind people that all living beings are less removed from one another than we’d like to believe. Animals were taken to court for crimes, and many were found guilty and executed. Even more bewildering, stories of “monstrous births” emerged in the early 1700s. While the obsession of women giving birth to non-human animals eventually died down, even these notably strange events proved that the relationship between animals and humans was becoming inextricably complicated.
Shevelow details the heinous attractions of not-so-distant times: cockthrowing and cockfighting, bullbaiting and bullrunning, dog and horse racing, ratting, and hunting with hounds. Though it’s tough to be objective, I’d like to assume that even the most outspoken, animal-hating carnivore might be disturbed by Shevelow’s descriptions. She also documents that even centuries ago, several prominent observers of animal-based amusements were deeply disturbed by what they witnessed.
She additionally makes mention of many contemporary issues in animal rights activism and vegetarian practice. Citing the story of Dr. George Cheyne, who restored his once doomed health by removing meat from his diet, Shevelow offers historical evidence that plant-based diets can have notable health benefits. There is also mention of religious beliefs that indicate souls moving between species. If you belong to a faith that believes in reincarnation, for instance, you’re less likely to kill animals, lest you become one in a later lifetime.
The book ends with the successful founding of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in the mid-nineteenth century. As a history text, this one is thorough and happily ends on a victorious high note.
On the other hand, analysis of contemporary activism and food justice movements only receives a frustratingly short two-page conclusion and lacks a lot of analysis about the current state of animal cruelty in the Western world. Praising the efforts of typical figureheads Michael Pollan, Peter Singer, and PETA’s Ingrid Newkirk, Shevelow seems convinced that consciousness and change has advanced as it should. Maybe that’s why she’s a historian and I’m not. For me, progress can never come quickly enough.
Review by Brittany Shoot
October 18, 2012
Shevelow continues to be a clear, compelling, and convincing historian. The subject is one which provokes strong emotions in people, and some of the information in the book is undeniably traumatic to read. But that information reflects the reality of the times and is presented in as even-handed a manner as possible. More importantly it highlights the environment early animal advocates found themselves in and the widespread attitudes they struggled to overcome.
While these descriptions of cruelty are upsetting, the overall tone of the book is one of cautious optimism. Shevelow makes a point of intercutting the unpleasantness with chapters that describe the growing affection and protective instincts people were beginning to feel for their animals. There is even a gentle sense of humor running through these other sections, which makes them enjoyable to read. It is comforting to know that no matter what the era, there will always be people willing to advocate for the voiceless and to push for compassion.
Shevelow examines a wide range of pro-animal voices, from radicals, politicians, and poets to religious preachers, artists, and just plain pet owners. However, the book focuses on a narrow slice of both time and geography, so those who are looking for a broad history of animal rights will not find it here. In addition the book moves beyond simple recitation of historical fact to analysis, which inevitably leads to accusations of selecting facts to fit theory. It would be hard to argue that this is true of Shevelow, but it is something to be aware of with this and all nonfiction history books.
In summary, this is a moving account of a turning point in our collective views on animals. Fascinating historical figures, heart-breaking descriptions of abuse, and an overall uplifting book well worth reading.
While these descriptions of cruelty are upsetting, the overall tone of the book is one of cautious optimism. Shevelow makes a point of intercutting the unpleasantness with chapters that describe the growing affection and protective instincts people were beginning to feel for their animals. There is even a gentle sense of humor running through these other sections, which makes them enjoyable to read. It is comforting to know that no matter what the era, there will always be people willing to advocate for the voiceless and to push for compassion.
Shevelow examines a wide range of pro-animal voices, from radicals, politicians, and poets to religious preachers, artists, and just plain pet owners. However, the book focuses on a narrow slice of both time and geography, so those who are looking for a broad history of animal rights will not find it here. In addition the book moves beyond simple recitation of historical fact to analysis, which inevitably leads to accusations of selecting facts to fit theory. It would be hard to argue that this is true of Shevelow, but it is something to be aware of with this and all nonfiction history books.
In summary, this is a moving account of a turning point in our collective views on animals. Fascinating historical figures, heart-breaking descriptions of abuse, and an overall uplifting book well worth reading.
February 6, 2011
This book is a well-researched, informative look at the major players in England's 18th century animal protection movement and the struggles they faced to ban the cruel blood sports animals were forced to participate in, usually leading to their deaths. It also chronicles the change in attitudes from viewing animals as property to living beings. Early laws only punished criminals for abusing animals if they had done so with malicious intent against the owner- the harm to the animal itself was of no consequence. But thanks to the persistence of men like "Humanity Dick" Richard Martin and the founders of the SPCA, animals were later considered to have inherent value in their being alive and cruelty became less acceptable.
The book is incredibly narrowly focused, though. If you're looking for a history of the animal rights movement, this isn't it. Rather, it focuses in on a small moment in history in which the movement first began to sprout.
The book is incredibly narrowly focused, though. If you're looking for a history of the animal rights movement, this isn't it. Rather, it focuses in on a small moment in history in which the movement first began to sprout.
November 28, 2008
This scholarly examination of the animal protection movement may be triggering for some folks, in its description of blood sport and the issues in England that led to the beginnings of animal protection in the 19th Century. The author does provide information on which chapters contain the most descriptions, but there are other matters dispersed throughout. It is not at all gratuitous, for it informs the reader about the social mores of the time and also of the challenges faced by early reformers. Not for the faint of heart, and certainly not a light read ... but well worth the effort.
September 7, 2009
Interesting look at how the whole concept of animal rights began (mostly centered in England), from back when the entire idea sparked ridicule. I was actually disappointed this ended in the early 19th century - I was hoping it would continue to the modern day. This book contained some really graphically violent information though... very hard to read and definitely some stuff I don't think I'll ever forget. It definitely makes you think about where all those barbaric tendencies have hidden themselves in our modern, supposedly enlightened psyches.
November 4, 2011
This book was so hard to read because the stories just broke my heart, especially since they were all true. The bullbaiting was the worse. The book was very well written and concentrated on the animal protection movement in Britain. I wish it had some stuff about the US. However, I think the movement in Britain inspired the groups here. I think any animal lover should read this. It is really amazing how many people wanted to protect animals but couldn't convince the masses. They pushed and pushed and finally got it done!
January 12, 2009
This book was not what I expected. I don't know how anything about aniimals could be boring but this book might be the exception. Loads of information written in a way that it could put anyone to sleep. Might be a good reference if you were doing research on the subject, but for an entertaining read, forget it. I am sure the subject was well researched and documented but the contents sure were a nod.
April 5, 2010
Overall I definitely enjoyed this book. It certainly puts things into perspective in regards to the animal protection movement. As depressing as it is to think about all of the cruel things we do to animals in the present world, things were actually MUCH worse back in the day. The book focuses on the events that lead up to the enactment of the first animal protection law in 1822. The thing that surprised me the most is that this movement was (for the most part) started by men!
January 10, 2013
I've learned so much about the history of animal cruelty and animal welfare through this book. Many of the chapters are difficult to read due to the horrifying abuse that the animals have gone through. I would recommend this book every animal lover.
January 16, 2016
Very interesting and informational. I learned a lot about the history of animal protection and how it all started, more facts and historical art pieces pertaining to the movement than any other book I've read so far. Definitely recommend it to anyone interested in Animal Rights.
October 15, 2010
Great history on the growing Animal Protection movement, written clearly, and in an entertaining manner.
April 26, 2010
I admit I picked up this book because of the picture on the front. It was well researched and written book on the animal rights movement in Britain during the 18th century. I really enjoyed this one.
Read
July 7, 2011The subject matter of this book is really interesting, but as somebody else mentioned, its presentation is a bore.
February 27, 2020
Outstanding early history of the animal rights movement.
November 27, 2012
Fascinating look at the early history of the animal protection movement.
March 24, 2015
Information dense yet compulsively readable.
Read
February 10, 2016An eye opening read into the history of how society has changed their views of a variety of animals and their alignment with humans.
Currently reading
November 8, 2009Being a vegan, I think it is best for me to be more informed about the animal activism movement.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews