Animals That Changed History

Discusses the effects on history--for better or worse--made by the horse, rat, and beaver.

Grade 7 Up This fascinating account traces the impact of the horse, the black rat, and the beaver on the course of human history. The horse, which today is used mainly for sport and pleasure, was a prime factor in the development of the feudal system of warfare and agriculture. The black rat, carrier of the dreaded plague that depopulated Europe in the Middle Ages, was an important cause in the breaking up of the feudal system and the end of the Middle Ages. The value of the beaver's fur drove hunters and trappers to explore most of Canada and the northern United States in its pursuit. Rahn offers a unique perspective, and although other books include sections on various domestic animals in history, none analyzes the impact of the horse, beaver, and black rat on civilization as thoroughly as this one. Barbara B. Murphy, Shaler Area School District Libraries, Pittsburgh
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.