Science & Technology

摘要

Coren (psychology, Univ. of British Columbia) and an expert on the human-canine bond (The Intelligence of Dogs, How To Speak Dog) has written an entertaining and eclectic book on the changing relationship between humans and Canis familiaris over the 15,000 years the two species have lived together. Dividing his work into five sections ("How Dogs Fit into the World of People," "What Dogs Do," "Talking with Dogs," "Dogs and Modern Society," and "Benefits of Dog Ownership"), the author explores such diverse questions as Can dogs love? Can dogs detect cancer? Are dogs in heaven? Why do dogs have wet noses or sniff one another's tails in greeting? More than just a compendium of dog mythology, a history of canine contributions to human society, an explanation of dog physiology or psychology, or a paean to the ways dogs enrich our lives, this solid volume is an excellent addition to public library collections serving patrons who share Coren's enthusiasm and curiosity. Highly recommended.