Beauty of the Beasts: Rethinking Nature's Least Loved Animals (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781399417617)

In an age of catastrophic biodiversity loss, the author of Aesop's Animals explains why we should champion and protect nature's underdogs.

The living world evokes many emotions, especially when it comes to our relationships with animals. Some of our reactions are logical responses to potential harm, but many are irrational, and our loathing and persecution of some species far exceed the threat they pose to us. We no longer prosecute animals for their 'crimes' as we did in the Middle Ages, but our human exceptionalism and vilification of unwelcome animal behaviour continues.

In Beauty of the Beasts, Jo Wimpenny challenges our perceptions of 'good' species and sets the record straight about those we label 'pests', 'scavengers' and 'predators'. Using the latest research, Jo explains the natural behaviours we use to villainise animals while demonstrating how these species benefit humanity and are more sentient than we ever thought. From wasps that provide free pest control and snakes whose venom may cure cancer to the deep social bonds of crocodiles and vultures, this book will convince you to rethink our most misunderstood beasts.

While it may be tempting to imagine a more pleasant world devoid of animals that scare and repulse us, Jo explains why losing them would devastate many ecosystems, encouraging all of us to appreciate these animals for what they are and the vital roles they fulfil for all life on Earth.

Author: Jo Wimpenny
ISBN-10: 1399417614
ISBN-13: 9781399417617
Publisher: Bloomsbury Wildlife
Language: English
Published: 04/28/2026
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover