Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues

"Serves as an excellent summation of the major theme of Bekoff's many books....These essays not only explain his concern for how humans 'redecorate' nature by using animals for their own purposes but also achieve his goal of appealing to academic and popular audiences though his 'musings' on science, social responsibility and 'who we are in the grand scheme of things.'" —Publishers Weekly

"Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues is a book for scientists and non-scientists alike. The writing is clear so that even complex subjects can be readily understood by the general public. Marc has the courage of his convictions and is an excellent spokesman for animals. He has learned so much from watching animals and empathizing with them, and by publishing this collection of essays, he hopes to share this knowledge with as many people as possible. I will share Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues with colleagues and friends around the world." —Jane Goodall

"Whether it's hard empirical data or careful reasoning you cannot escape Marc Bekoff's conclusion: We must wage peace with our fellow animals and the whole of Nature. Bekoff's book is an inspiration and evidence that a new day of compassion is dawning. What else can explain how this very respected scientist has managed to integrate his heart and mind into one compassionate and caring being? Now we can only hope that those who have dissociated themselves from the reality of biology become whole again." —Roger Fouts, co-director (with Deborah Fouts) of the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute and author of Next of Kin

"Marc Bekoff is that rarest of scientists: a world-renowned, disciplined thinker whose commitment to detail and rigor does not get in the way of the compassion and love he brings to his work and the animals who figure so prominently in it. Voiceless animals are very fortunate to have him speaking for them, and we are no less fortunate to have him writing for us. Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues is a must read." —Tom Regan, author of Empty Cages: Facing the Challenge of Animal Rights

"Why is walking a dog different than riding (in) a car? Our connection with animals arises from us having similar bodies, needs, and emotions. Marc Bekoff eloquently stresses this kinship and the sensitivity that comes with it—or ought to come with it—in a book full of fresh insights into the inner lives of animals." —Frans de Waal, author of Our Inner Ape

"This is a thought-provoking book that forces the reader to consider issues that are important but are often left at the fringes of our work.... Marc Bekoff, by forcing us to consider animal minds and our ethical obligations to animals, is pushing the field of behaviour in interesting directions." —Nature

"(O)ne of his gems is his view on how we should interact with animals. He says, 'Do no intentional harm; respect all life; treat all individuals with compassion; and step lightly into the lives of other beings, bodies of water, and landscapes.'" —BBC Wildlife

"Bekoff brings together some of the most important findings he has presented throughout his career as a biologist and animal behaviorist.... (He) successfully challenges traditional reviews of animal behavior." —Animal Welfare Institute Quarterl

"Bekoff has established himself as an excellent researcher in behavioral ecology. He has made strong contributions to our understanding of the ecology and behavior of carnivores...and this book is a nice review of his past work.... Bekoff builds a convincing case that scientists must understand the larger social and political ramifications of their research... Readers who are generally interested in the topics of animal rights and the ethics of conducting science on animals should certainly read this book because many of the author's ideas are both provocative and highly relevant." —The Quarterly Review of Biology

" With his newest effort, Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues, Bekoff continues to expound upon the cause closest to his heart...that the manner in which we treat our fellow creatures and the Earth we all share is of prime importance and increasing consequence....Once a cautionary voice crying in the wilderness, Bekoff, through books like Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues, has spoken eloquently and has been joined by others empowered to act on behalf of that wilderness and all of its sentient beings." —Best Friends

"Through his hard work and determination and in the face of considerable opposition, (Bekoff) has been most influential in the growing academic body of knowledge on animal sentience. This fascinating book, of appeal to both scientists and the general reader, looks at a range of topics including animal behaviour, emotions and relationships and includes discussion of the ethics of our use of animals. Highly recommended!" —Farm Animal Voices