Sally Coulthard

An immensely readable book detailing the arrival of sheep on the planet, their domestication, and how man has exploited all they have to offer. The first part of the book can reasonably be called a world history, but the nearer we come to the present day, the closer the focus is on the British Isles. Nevertheless, this account runs us through domestic, religious, political and industrial history to provide an interesting account of the profound effect sheep have had on our economy and landscape. This is written in a a light-hearted tone which almost disguises the careful scholarship which underpins it. Recommended.… (más)

This was a very entertaining, and at the same time easy, read. And of course not my usual crime fiction.

Who knew there would be so many aspects of our relationship with sheep to consider: from how they were originally tamed, to the properties that make wool so useful, how long we have been relieving sheep of their woolly coats, and then the employment that sheep have sponsored in the human race, the importance they have had economically and socially speaking, the role they have played in the history countries all over the world?

Each chapter is entertaining with myriad anecdotes. For those who want the serious stuff of history there are scores of references to follow up. I just enjoyed the stories.

Highly recommended.… (más)