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9781910862551

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This is an interesting book, presented in a small (16 cm) square format with a hard cover and lavish illustrations. The writing is mainly plain, clear and straightforward. Jane Russ obviously has much experience of her subject, and has done sterling research work. The volume is aimed at amateur naturalists, or anyone with an intelligent, lively interest in the natural world (which should mean all of us!). It is in two rather disparate parts. The first half covers the nature of the beast, whilst the second half explores peoples' reactions to it throughout the cultural history of mankind. The book is written very much from a pro-life point of view and is fairly disparaging of the hunting and eradication lobbies, or of regarding the animal as a pest. It does, however, furnish numerous cogent arguments as to why attempts at ridding areas of foxes are doomed to failure. Several authors have been involved, but the book has a unified structure, and does not come over as a polemic. It begins by discussing the biology and life cycle of the fox and its ecology in both urban and rural environments. It then goes on to describe several of the arguments and legal cases which generally support the banning of fox-hunting, whilst agreeing that the hunt has been a long-term feature of our countryside. I can imagine some readers bristling and harrumphing at some of the statements, but to me they seem entirely rational and reasonable, whilst the photographs of foxes are entirely captivating. This section of the book is completed by an account of the worldwide distribution of many species of fox, with pictures of each one. The book then changes tack somewhat and investigates the role of these animals in myth and legend in various parts of the world. Much of this section, which covers about half of the volume, is fascinating. There are references to foxes from all sorts of literary sources, from Chaucer to the Bible and from Finland to South Korea. There are architectural and sculptural references too, all illustrated with beautiful, high-quality photographs. I was particularly intrigued to see the fox depictions on the misericord seats in mediaeval churches and cathedrals. The importance of these animals in the colourful, numinous stories and myths of the Far East is an unusual and exciting element of the book. This section is also embellished with several short stories and poems, whose quality is rather variable, such that, to my mind their inclusion is not justified; but that is very much a personal matter! I was surprised to find that there is no particular Welsh slant to the book, although it is published by Graffeg. Nonetheless, for a relatively inexpensive book it provides a lot of information, and could stimulate considerable interest in the role of foxes in Welsh traditions and mythology, and some comparisons with world-wide legends about the fox, its transformations and its personality. It is interesting how, in all cultures, the fox is regarded as cunning and adept at concealment as well as having magical powers of seduction and trickery. The last time I saw one, in the local sand dunes, it certainly pulled off a baffling disappearing trick! -- Richard Hartnup @ www.gwales.com

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Jane Russ is Chairman of the Hare Preservation Trust and is the author of The Hare Book.

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