The Dog: 5000 Years of the Dog in Art [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

'for the dog lover who has everything. Ranging from ancient cave art right through to the modern day, and including sculpture as well as paintings from all around the world' --Your Dog, Saturday 1, November 2008

'This comprehensive book combines the history of the dog in art with the fascinating story of how the many different breeds we know today, ranging from the noble greyhound to the tiny, lion-hearted Pekingese, evolved.' --Best of British, Saturday 1, November 2008

'an intelligently chosen and entertainingly varied pack of canines, dating from prehistory to the present day.' --Sunday Times, Culture, November 30th, 2008

For more than 5000 years, artists have created an extraordinary array of captivating images of the dog the animal that has enjoyed the closest and most intriguing relationship with man. This beautiful book is lavishly illustrated with works from all over the world, ranging from the earliest African rock paintings to the groundbreaking work of contemporary artists. It explores the various roles the dog has played in both art and society, including its depiction as a symbol of fidelity and romantic love; as a prized possession, vaunting its owner's power and wealth; as a treasured and loyal pet; as a mythological being, mysteriously travelling between the lands of the living and the dead; as a religious image of purity, or dissolution; and as an indispensable working and hunting companion. A vividly written text is accompanied by glorious images, featuring many different breeds, that capture the soulful, beguiling and dynamic character of man s best friend in its diverse incarnations, from protector to predator, dark force to deity.

Tamsin Pickeral is an independent writer specializing in art, horsemanship and animal husbandry. Her book The Horse: 30,000 Years of the Horse in Art (2006) is also published by Merrell.