"(Tuan) does a masterful job exploring the condescending human treatment of animals as 'playthings' that exist only for our entertainment. He charts the malevolent history of male domination over women and children and the sad chronicle of slaves, dwarfs and other 'freaks' treated as human appliances or toys. This provocative study of power in the world of pleasure, play and art is a tour de force." -Cultural Information Service "A brilliant book that will appeal to a wide audience. The volume provides excellent material for school and college seminar debates on humankind's place in nature and attitudes toward other living things. . . . (A) penetrating analysis. . . . Readable at all levels."-Choice
Entertaining and informative, Pets in America is a portrait of Americans' relationships with the cats, dogs, birds, fishes, rodents, and other animals we call our own. More than 60 percent of U.S. households have pets, and America grows more pet-friendly every day. But as Katherine C. Grier demonstrates, the ways we talk about and treat our pets--as companions, as children, and as objects of beauty, status, or pleasure--have their origins long ago. Grier begins with a natural history of animals as pets, then discusses the changing role of pets in family life, new standards of animal welfare, the problems presented by borderline cases such as livestock pets, and the marketing of both animals and pet products. She focuses particularly on the period between 1840 and 1940, when the emotional, behavioral, and commercial characteristics of contemporary pet keeping were established. The story is filled with the warmth and humor of anecdotes from period diaries, letters, catalogs, and newspapers. Filled with illustrations reflecting the whimsy, the devotion, and the commerce that have shaped centuries of American pet keeping, Pets in America ultimately shows how the history of pets has evolved alongside changing ideas about human nature, child development, and community life. This book accompanies a museum exhibit, "Pets in America," which opens at the McKissick Museum in Columbia, South Carolina, in December 2005 and will travel to five other cities from May 2006 through May 2008.
This study of the psychological impulse to "make pets" examines the interplay of pleasure, aesthetics, play, and power in the molding and domination of nature, animals, and human beings--by human beings
In his many best-selling books, Yi-Fu Tuan seizes big, metaphysical issues and considers them in uniquely accessible ways. Human Goodness is evidence of this talent and is both as simple, and as epic, as it sounds. Genuinely good people and their actions, Tuan contends, are far from boring, naive, and trite; they are complex, varied, and enormously exciting. In a refreshing antidote to skeptical times, he writes of ordinary human courtesies, as simple as busing your dishes after eating, that make society functional and livable. And he writes of extraordinary courage and inventiveness under the weight of adversity and evil. He considers the impact of communal goodness over time, and his sketches of six very different individuals—Confucius, Socrates, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, John Keats, Dr. Albert Schweitzer, and Simone Weil—confirm that there are human lives that can encourage and lead us to our better selves. Best Books for General Audiences, selected by the American Association of School Librarians, and Best Books for Special Interests, selected by the Public Library Association
Learn to communicate with your dog—using their language “Good reading for dog lovers and an immensely useful manual for dog owners.”—The Washington Post An Applied Animal Behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years’ experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell reveals a revolutionary new perspective on our relationship with dogs—sharing insights on how “man’s best friend” might interpret our behavior, as well as essential advice on how to interact with our four-legged friends in ways that bring out the best in them. After all, humans and dogs are two entirely different species, each shaped by its individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (as are wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation. This marvelous guide demonstrates how even the slightest changes in our voices and in the ways we stand can help dogs understand what we want. Inside you will discover: • How you can get your dog to come when called by acting less like a primate and more like a dog • Why the advice to “get dominance” over your dog can cause problems • Why “rough and tumble primate play” can lead to trouble—and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of mischief • How dogs and humans share personality types—and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than “alpha wanna-bes!” Fascinating, insightful, and compelling, The Other End of the Leash is a book that strives to help you connect with your dog in a completely new way—so as to enrich that most rewarding of relationships.
Go back to the beginning with this NEIGHBORLY AFFECTION SERIES PREQUEL from a USA TODAY bestselling author. From rescue to romance… Teach a wounded submissive the value of his service. The task ought to be an easy one for an experienced dominant like Henry Webb. But novice Jay Kress challenges his teacher like no other. Still bearing the bruises of an encounter outside the bounds of safe consensual play, Jay is desperate to submit to the man who saved him—and shamed by his desires. Henry recognizes the dangers of a relationship built on hero worship. He'll teach Jay how to stay safe, that's all. He won't take advantage of the younger man's trust. He won't share his fantasies about his dark-haired, athletic student. He'll never claim this submissive for his own... New to USA Today bestselling author M.Q. Barber’s Neighborly Affection series? This friends-to-lovers bisexual menage romance saga is best read in order. Dominance and submission is the name of the game for this MMF poly triad. Start with Playing the Game or Becoming His Master. Becoming His Master is a prequel in the Neighborly Affection universe. It can be read at any point but is best read before picking up Finding Their Balance. Praise for Becoming His Master: “The fourth Neighborly affection book offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the real depth and complexities of a Dom/sub relationship, and the dangers that can arise when the heart becomes involved. Barber has a unique writing style that takes a little time to feel familiar, but her world soon becomes lush and increasingly intriguing.” – RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars What NetGalley reader-reviewers are saying: “Beautifully written, this is thoughtful and engaging, just like the two main characters….” – Reflection “M.Q. Barber has one of the most distinctive voices as a BDSM author I have ever experienced reading. It’s like a breath of fresh air to see someone step outside of the S&M side of things and more into the D/s world.” – Mommy’s a Book Whore blog “The author has avoided … clichés and given us an amazing love story in a BDSM setting. The characters are flawed in such true ways and the acceptance of those flaws is beautifully written. Their relationship is forged over months, and they really get to know one another. They complement and balance each other in such authentic ways.” – Sarah Beth “The Neighborly Affection series as a whole has opened my eyes and has made me view the BDSM lifestyle in a new and refreshing light and I fully appreciated the wonderfully gifted manner in which author M.Q. Barber presented these books. This book in particular was hauntingly beautiful, what with Henry’s selflessness and Jay’s innocence and their mutual love and affection for one another.” – Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous blog
The USA TODAY bestselling beginning to the NEIGHBORLY AFFECTION series. She expects dinner with neighbors—but gets sex with a side of safewords. Fantasies about her sexy neighbors spice up Alice's nights, even a year after she's moved in. She can't decide whether the men are roommates or partners, but either way, they spark a wanton desire in this mechanical engineer that has her imagination—and vibrator—working overtime. Henry, director of everything around him, studies human nature and applies philosophies to his paintings as well as his relationships. Quirky and polite to a fault, he follows his own code of honor even when it means denying himself. Charming and playful, Jay craves stability, guidance, and the chance to please others. His antics counterbalance Henry's formal ways and bring vulnerability and fun to the trio's adventures. BDSM play with the enigmatic artist and flirtatious joker across the hall allows Alice to quiet the too-logical mind that has kept her unsatisfied and distant with other lovers. She must reconsider her notions of love, submission, and independence if she's to find a permanent place in their bed and hearts. New to USA Today bestselling author M.Q. Barber’s Neighborly Affection series? This friends-to-lovers bisexual menage romance saga is best read in order. Dominance and submission is the name of the game for this MMF poly triad. Start with Playing the Game or the prequel book Becoming His Master. For a different perspective on the events of Playing the Game, read it alongside Tuesdays with Jay and Other Stories. Praise for the USA Today bestselling series starter… “The writing is quick, smart and witty. The character development, especially of the heroine, and plot progression work well with this trio.” – Shelly, reviewer for Red Hot Books “Ms. Barber delves into the culture of Dominance and submission with compelling grace, introducing us to Alice, Henry, and Jay and all of their delightful emotional and sexual complexities.” – Sophia Jones,author of The Pharaoh and the Curator “It’s steamy and sexy enough, and doesn’t hold back on the BDSM angle, but this erotic romance has so much more to offer than titillation or fantasy.” – D.B. Sieders, author of Red Shoes for Lab Blues “I will read this one again. The sex scenes were off the charts hot. The characters were amazing. Henry melted me.” – Jessi Gage, author of Wishing for a Highlander “Chapter after chapter, I was captivated by the very real process of a woman that discovers her submissive self and how a man tamed her, day after day, week after week, month after month. … It is the kind of book that make you think: yeah, that makes sense. If I was in her shoes, I would act like this.” – Mary, reviewer for Mary’s Menage Whispers “The writer had a way to bring you in and make you feel soulful about what they were sharing. I felt like I was made to consider each decision they made about what they needed and why they needed it. This wasn’t just a wham-bam book, it was a story of Alice’s emotions surrounding this couple she had grown to care for.” — Mistress L, reviewer for S&M’s Book Obsessions
Facing their families is turning out to be the trio’s toughest test. Life should be grand for Henry, Alice, and Jay. They’ve defeated the doubts that kept them apart and embraced a relationship that suits all three of them. But the arrival of Alice’s sister threatens to upend their cozy routine. Skepticism and accusations erupt in a visit bristling with tension as the sisters tear open old wounds. Even worse, Jay’s springing a new idea on his partners: it’s time to come out to his family. His decision might destroy them all—but Henry’s hunger for Jay’s public embrace makes it almost worth the risk. Henry, Alice, and Jay must redefine who they are to each other and what they want for their future—together or apart. Can they trust in their love enough to survive the consequences? New to USA Today bestselling author M.Q. Barber’s Neighborly Affection series? This friends-to-lovers bisexual menage romance saga is best read in order. Dominance and submission is the name of the game for this committed MMF poly triad. Start with Playing the Game or the prequel book Becoming His Master. For a different perspective on the events of Playing the Game, read it alongside Tuesdays with Jay and Other Stories. Praise for the Neighborly Affection series: “The writing is quick, smart and witty. The character development, especially of the heroine, and plot progression work well with this trio.” – Shelly, reviewer for Red Hot Books “Ms. Barber delves into the culture of Dominance and submission with compelling grace, introducing us to Alice, Henry, and Jay and all of their delightful emotional and sexual complexities.” – Sophia Jones, author of The Pharaoh and the Curator “It’s steamy and sexy enough, and doesn’t hold back on the BDSM angle, but this erotic romance has so much more to offer than titillation or fantasy.” – D.B. Sieders, author of Red Shoes for Lab Blues “I will read this one again. The sex scenes were off the charts hot. The characters were amazing. Henry melted me.” – Jessi Gage, author of Wishing for a Highlander “Chapter after chapter, I was captivated by the very real process of a woman that discovers her submissive self and how a man tamed her, day after day, week after week, month after month. … It is the kind of book that make you think: yeah, that makes sense. If I was in her shoes, I would act like this.” – Mary, reviewer for Mary’s Menage Whispers “The writer had a way to bring you in and make you feel soulful about what they were sharing. I felt like I was made to consider each decision they made about what they needed and why they needed it. This wasn’t just a wham-bam book, it was a story of Alice’s emotions surrounding this couple she had grown to care for.” — Mistress L, reviewer for S&M’s Book Obsessions
An impassioned and rigorous appeal for reconnection to the land and human feeling by one of America’s most heartfelt and humble writers. When he accepted the invitation to deliver The Jefferson Lecture—our nation’s highest honor for distinguished intellectual achievement—Wendell Berry decided to take on the obligation of thinking again about the problems that have engaged him throughout his long career. He wanted a fresh start, not only in looking at the groundwork of the problems facing our nation and the earth itself, but in gaining hope from some examples of repair and healing even in these times of Late Capitalism and its destructive contagions. As a poet and writer he understood already that much can be gleaned from looking at the vocabulary of these problems themselves and how we describe them. And he settled on “affection” as a method of engagement and solution. The result is the greatest speech he has delivered in his six decades of public life. It All Turns on Affection will take its place alongside The Unsettling of America and The Gift of Good Land as major testaments to the power and clarity of his contribution to American thought. Also included are a small handful of other recent essays and a wonderful conversation between Mr. Berry, his wife Tanya Berry, and the head of the National Endowment of the Humanities Jim Leech, which took place just after the award was announced. The result offers a wonderful continuation of the long conversation Berry has had with his readers over many years and as well as a fine introduction to his life and work. “These powerful, challenging essays show why Berry’s vision of a sustainable, human–scaled society has proven so influential.” —Publishers Weekly “Wendell Berry is one of those rare individuals who speaks to us always of responsibility, of the individual cultivation of an active and aware participation in the arts of life.” —The Bloomsbury Review
