Giraffe

Everything about a giraffe – its extraordinary long neck, distinctive camouflage, graceful movement and friendly nature – is instantly recognizable. Consequently the giraffe has fascinated man throughout its history, with its quiet and lofty stance representing in the human psyche virtue, peace and harmony. But while giraffe once roamed the Great Plains of Africa in huge herds, their numbers have greatly diminished and they are now entirely dependent on humanity for their survival.

In Giraffe, Edgar Williams explores not only the unique biology of the tallest animals on earth but also their impact on human history – including in ancient Egypt, where giraffes were kept as exotic pets; the Middle Ages, when giraffes were considered mythical beasts as improbable and mysterious as the dragon; and the Victorian era, in which giraffe hunting was considered an exhilarating sport.

The first book to provide a comprehensive, twenty-first-century view of the giraffe in art, literature, film and popular culture, Giraffe also explores in depth the animal's natural history and the debates surrounding its evolution. This engaging book will appeal to anyone who admires this elegant creature.