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How Animals Talk: A Sentimental Journey, or a Flawed Interpretation?

How Animals Talk: A Sentimental Journey, or a Flawed Interpretation?

"How Animals Talk: And Other Pleasant Studies of Birds and Beast" by William J. Long, originally published in 1919, takes readers on a journey into the minds and communication methods of animals. While captivating with its personal anecdotes and charming prose, it's crucial to approach it with a critical lens due to its outdated scientific understanding and potential anthropomorphization.

Original Publication New York: Harper & brothers, 1919.  

Release Date 21 Feb 2024

Link: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/73009

Strengths:

  • Engaging Narrator: Long writes with vivid descriptions and a clear passion for the natural world. His personal observations of animal behaviour are captivating, drawing readers into the lives of crows, squirrels, foxes, and more.
  • Unique Perspective: The book delves into animal emotions and communication with a more sentimental approach than traditional scientific studies. This can be refreshing for readers seeking a heartwarming look into the animal world.
  • Historical Significance: As a product of its time, the book offers a glimpse into early 20th-century natural history writing and public understanding of animals.

Weaknesses:

  • Outdated Science: Scientific understanding of animal behaviour has evolved significantly since 1919. Many of Long's interpretations and conclusions lack modern scientific backing and might be misleading.
  • Anthropomorphization: The book often attributes human emotions and motivations to animals, which can be inaccurate and hinder a true understanding of their behaviour.
  • Limited Methodology: Long's observations primarily rely on personal anecdotes and lack the rigorous methodology of modern animal behaviour research.

Overall:

"How Animals Talk" is a charming and thought-provoking read, but it's essential to remember its limitations. While it offers a glimpse into the early 20th-century understanding of animals and can be enjoyed for its literary merit, it shouldn't be considered a reliable source of modern scientific knowledge about animal behavior.


 

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