“No one tradition alone offers a sufficient respect for other species. Taken together, they may offer a prospect for saner human-animal relations.” – From the book

Western conceptions of objectivity and individuality have resulted in a readier appreciation of the worth of the animals and nature than has been recognized. This provocative book takes issue with the popular view that the Western cultural tradition, in contrast to Eastern and Aboriginal traditions, has encouraged attitudes of domination and exploitation towards nature, particularly animals.

Preece argues that the Western tradition has much to commend it, and that descriptions of Aboriginal and Oriental orientations have often been misleadingly rosy, simplified and codified according to current fashionable concepts.

Animals and Nature is the result of six years’ intensive study into comparative religion, literature, philosophy, anthropology, mythology and animal welfare science.

Contact WLU Press for information about this author.

Rod Preece's profile page

• Short-listed, Raymond Klibansky Prize, Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
• Winner, Outstanding Academic Title, Choice Magazine

A new and surprising religious target, native Indian spirituality, is discovered in this groundbreaking book by Rod Preece.

Vancouver Sun

Preece is a scholar of enormous intellect who makes the long-overdue case that western civilization need look no further than its own myths and traditions to justify the ethical treatment of animals.

Georgia Straight

No previous book offers nearly the breadth of Preece's erudite multidisciplinary work. A unique and valuable book, strongly recommended.

Choice

An incredibly detailed documentation of western theory and practice of humanity’s relationship with nature and especially with animals.

Canadian Forum