Eagle

A symbol of power, divinity, war, justice, cruelty – for millennia the eagle has been one of the most important symbols in the human imagination. Exploring the rich history of this bird of prey and its portrayal in art, film, literature, and poetry, Eagle explains how this emblematic creature fulfils a diversity of roles in cultures around the world.

          

We associate the eagle with light and learning, but we also connect it to death and corruption. Eagles adorn flags, crests and other emblems, but they have also been relentlessly persecuted as a predatory threat to livestock. Eagles have suffered from the effects of expansive human activities for many years, from habitat destruction to pesticide use and global warming. Saving eagles from destruction is critical for our ecological environments, for they control pest populations and dispose of carcasses. Saving them is also critical for our intellectual environments, as eagles are important parts of our psychological and cultural landscapes. Featuring many illustrations of eagles in the wild, in art and in popular culture, Eagle shines new light on our complex relationships with these birds, their international significance, and the dire implications of losing them to modern ecological threats.