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ISBN 978-0-14-312412-2 $15.00 ($16.00 CAN)
Pets 5 1 /2 x 8 7 /16 272 pp. Rights: E30
Pub history: The Penguin Press hc 978-1-59420-515-6
On sale: 10/29/2013
SuGGeSTeD ORDeR
“ Smart, insightful, and
engrossing—a wonderful field guide to
the heart and soul of dogs and our intimate
and enduring connection to them.”
—Susan Orlean, New York Times–bestselling
author of Rin Tin Tin and The Orchid Thief
“ Factually fascinating and emotionally
satisfying . . . a great gift for dog
lovers.” —Julie Klam, New York Times–
bestselling author of You Had Me at Woof
and Friendkeeping
ClassiC Penguin
96 NOVeMBeR
“ Engaging, informative . . . a survey of
the latest research on canine cognition.
. . . Perfect and poignant.” —The New
York Times Book Review
What’s a Dog For?
The Surprising History, Science, Philosophy, and Politics of
Man’s Best Friend
John Homans
As dogs take their place as coddled family members and their
numbers balloon to over 77 million in the United States alone,
it’s no surprise that canine culture is undergoing a massive transformation.
Now subject to many of the same questions of rights
and ethics as people, the politics of dogs are more tumultuous and
public than ever—with fierce moral battles raging over kill shelters,
puppy mills, and breed standards. Incorporating interviews
and research from scientists, activists, breeders, and trainers,
What’s a Dog For? investigates how dogs have reached this exalted
status, and why they hold such fascination for us humans.
n A wide-ranging overview from the evolution of dogs from
wolves to issues such as animal rights and designer breeds,
as well as a charming memoir of the author’s experience with his
adopted Lab mix, Stella
n There are 46 million dog-owning households in the U.S.,
representing a $60 billion industry
n For readers of Inside of a Dog and Marley and Me
John hoMans has been the executive editor of
New York magazine since 1994. This is his first book. He lives
in New York City.
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