G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
Those Other Animals
"Those Other Animals" by G. A. Henty is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. The book explores various animals, aiming to highlight their often misunderstood traits and behaviors while challenging the common prejudices held by humans against certain species. Through this examination, it seems to focus on a wide array of creatures, potentially including elephants, crocodiles, camels, and donkeys, presenting them in a light that encourages readers to appreciate their unique qualities. At the start of the text, the author addresses the reader with reflections on humanity's narrow views of the animal kingdom, pointing out how certain animals are unfairly judged based on their utility or lack thereof. Henty argues that man tends to overlook the admirable traits of creatures deemed less useful. For instance, he discusses the elephant's often-misunderstood intelligence, the crocodile's historical significance, and the donkey's overlooked virtues. As the opening unfolds, Henty's mission becomes clear: to prompt readers to reconsider their perspectives and recognize the intrinsic value of all animals, regardless of cultural biases.