...the author describes the real and fabulous beasts thus depicted, comments on their beastly behavior, and explores the curious sex lives our ancestors attributed to them. - [Publisher]

A general introduction to (mostly) medieval animal lore. The lack of references makes it difficult to use for serious study, or to follow up on sometimes dubious statements.

Contents: Sources of Animal Lore; Physiologus and the Bestiaries; Fabulous Beasts; Men as Beasts and Beasts as Men; Sex and Bawdy; Beastly Behaviour; Animal Medicines, Charms and Aphrodisiacs.

Language: English

ISBN: 0-8008-0691-3; LCCN: 75000807; LC: QL791.C5651975; DDC: 398/.369