Publisher Description

For as long as humans have inhabited the earth, we have lived alongside the multitude of other creatures with which we share our planet. However it is undoubtedly true that today most of us are not as close to the animals around us as our forebears were, and that many of the world's best loved large mammals and most beautiful birds are in danger of becoming extinct. The threats of the 21st century to the animal world make it even more pertinent to explore the many legends and folktales, myths and superstitions that reflect this past closeness, highlight our desire to explain nature's wonders and mysteries, and underline the necessity to preserve for future generations all creatures great and small.Gathered together in this fascinating book are the lore and legends of the animal world, alongside the realities of nature. Yet whatever their natural attributes, in folklore animals can do almost anything. They can be our friends and foes - and of course they can talk to each other. They can be evil witches and devils in disguise, they can bring good luck and bad. And in real life they can be our dearest companions, to the point of sheer worship.An amazing collection of fanciful superstitions, intriguing tales and amusing anecdotes, which any animal lover will truly relish. AUTHOR: Ruth Binney has been studying the countryside and nature for over 50 years. She holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and has been involved in countless publications during her career as an editor. She is the also a bestselling author having published numerous books on the gardening, countryside, country sayings and customs. Ruth lives in Yeovil, Somerset. 100 b/w illustrations

Notes

A beautiful collection of fanciful superstitions, amusing anecdotes and intriguing tales from the animal kingdom.

Author Biography

Ruth Binney has been studying the countryside and nature for over 50 years. She holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and has been involved in countless publications during her career as an editor. She is the also a bestselling author having published numerous books on the gardening, countryside, country sayings and customs. Ruth lives in Yeovil, Somerset.

Table of Contents

1 Little birds that know 14
2 The cruel crocodile 15
3 Cunning as the fox 17
4 Spider talents 18
5 A complete turkey 20
6 Safe with the dolphins 21
7 The pure and gentle dove 22
8 The stupid ass 23
9 The Devil's goat 24
10 Piggy tales 26
11 Beware the bats 28
12 The swan's pure beauty 29
13 The victory eagle 31
14 Bee messengers 32
15 The helpful robin 34
16 Hippo lore 35
17 The mighty elephant 36
18 Dirty rats 38
19 A mouse in the house 40
20 Bear strength 41
21 The lion, king of the beasts 43
22 Menacing big cats 44
23 Monkey business 45
24 Fluttering by 47
25 The wisdom of salmon 48
26 The ways of the serpent 49
27 Beetle power 51
28 Cats, good and bad 52
29 The faithful dog 54
30 For love, luck and health 56
31 Animal love signs 58
32 Money and wealth 59
33 The lucky greeting 60
34 Harm them at your peril 62
35 Predicting stormy weather 63
36 Animals at home 65
37 Birds of doom 66
38 Christmas lore 67
39 Easter rites 69
40 Beware the owl 70
41 Forecasting the weather 71
42 Groundhog Day and Candlemas 73
43 Creatures of the zodiac 74
44 Aries - the ram 76
45 Taurus - the bull 77
46 Cancer - the crab 78
47 Leo - the lion 79
48 Scorpio - the sting in the tail 80
49 Capricorn - the goat 81
50 Pisces - a fishy duo 82
51 Chinese astrology 83
52 Dreams and prophecies 86
53 Healing the stomach 87
54 To cure a fever 88
55 The dreaded cough 90
56 Blood letting leeches 91
57 To drive out illness 93
58 Maggot clinic 94
59 Just a flea bite? 95
60 Mosquitoes - the flying foe 97
61 To ease the rheumatism 98
62 Of Gods, spirits and monsters 100
63 The mystery of mermaids 102
64 Phoenix rising 104
65 Hideous winged monsters 105
66 The elusive sea serpents 107
67 Norway's own Kraken 109
68 The monster of the loch 111
69 Follow the footprints 113
70 Tales of the thunderbird 114
71 Curses of the 'were' creatures 115
72 Tales of the vampire 117
73 The croak of the evil toad 118
74 The serpent god 120
75 The unicorn - one-horned wonder 121
76 'Here be dragons' 123
77 Enter the dragon 126
78 The ghastly griffin 127
79 Magical horses 129
80 The sacred bull giant 130
81 The mighty wolf 131
82 Beware the boggart and bug-a-boo 132
83 Mystic water horses 134
84 The charming sirens 135

Details