Subject
Human-animal relationships -- Fiction Books
Best books
Marshall Saunders
Beautiful Joe: An Autobiography
"Beautiful Joe: An Autobiography" by Marshall Saunders is a novel published in 1893. Told from a dog's perspective, the story follows Beautiful Joe, an abused dog rescued from near death after his cruel owner mutilated him. Written as an animal autobiography inspired by "Black Beauty," this groundbreaking tale brought worldwide attention to animal cruelty. The book became the first Canadian work to sell over a million copies, winning a Humane Society contest and touching readers globally with its unique narrative approach.
Max Brand
Bulldog
"Bulldog" by Max Brand is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of strength, loyalty, and the struggle for redemption through the dynamic relationship between a man named Peter Zinn and his bull terrier, Blondy. Set in a rugged small-town environment, it examines the repercussions of past actions and the existential battles that arise as Zinn seeks to navigate his life after serving time in prison. The story begins with Peter Zinn's return to Sioux Crossing, where he is met with disdain and fear due to his criminal past. Despite his attempt to reform, he remains embittered by his former life and the law's oppressive hold over him, represented personified by Constable Tom Frejus. Zinn’s relationship with Blondy begins when he captures the defiant little dog that bites him, leading to a profound connection grounded in shared toughness and resilience. As Blondy grows into a renowned fighting dog, Zinn grapples with his identity and the complexity of masculinity, facing violent challenges while unearthing deeper emotions. The climax sees Zinn willing to sacrifice himself for his dog during a deadly confrontation, ultimately realizing the power of love and loyalty in a world defined by strife and violence. Through its vivid characters and gripping narrative, "Bulldog" captures the fierce loyalty between a man and his dog, exploring themes of redemption and the will to fight against injustice.
Sewell Ford
Horses Nine Stories of Harness and Saddle
"Horses Nine" by Sewell Ford is a collection of stories centered around horses and their unique experiences, written in the early 20th century. The book presents various characters, each with distinct backgrounds and adventures, highlighting the bond between horses and humans while also exploring themes of perseverance and identity through the narrative of their lives. The opening of "Horses Nine" introduces readers to the horse named Skipper, who becomes part of the mounted police force. Skipper's transition from a carefree farm life to the demands of city duties is depicted, showcasing his adaptability and enthusiasm for his new role. As he learns to navigate the challenges of urban environments, Skipper’s story unfolds, detailing humorous interactions with various city elements and foreshadowing the trials that come with his position. The narrative sets the stage for a journey filled with adventure, camaraderie, and the trials faced by working horses in the lives of their human counterparts.
Murray Leinster
Exploration Team
"Exploration Team" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction novelette published in 1956. When a Colonial Survey officer arrives on the deadly planet Loren Two, he discovers an unauthorized settler living there with specially-bred Kodiak bears. Together, they must undertake a dangerous trek across hostile terrain to reach an official colony that has mysteriously gone silent. The story won the Hugo Award for Best Novelette and has been praised as a model of intelligent adventure on an alien world.
Curtis Dunham
Gambolling with Galatea: a Bucolic Romance
"Gambolling with Galatea: a Bucolic Romance" by Curtis Dunham is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the interactions between a group of anthropomorphized farm animals and their human counterparts, exploring themes of companionship, communication, and the humorous absurdities of life in a rural setting. The main characters include Galatea, the spirited young woman, and a variety of animals such as Clarence the colt, Reginald the pig, and Cleopatra the mare, illustrating a whimsical blend of pastoral life and comedy. The beginning of the novel introduces us to the frustrations of a young colt named Clarence, who, along with other animals, feels imprisoned while their caretaker Amanda is away. The animals band together to demand freedom, embarking on a humorous and chaotic attempt to escape. Amid their antics, we also meet the Poet and his sister Galatea, who are about to spend the summer at the farm, setting the stage for their adventures with the animated animal ensemble. This opening portion establishes a lighthearted tone and hints at the interplay between human and animal consciousness that will unfold throughout the story.
Charles Dwight Willard
The Fall of Ulysses: An Elephant Story
"The Fall of Ulysses: An Elephant Story" by Charles Dwight Willard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the eccentric journey of a man who attempts to teach an elephant named Ulysses to read and write. This exploration serves as a delightful examination of intelligence, communication, and the relationship between humans and animals. The story unfolds as the protagonist, filled with ambition and naivety, embarks on a mission to educate Ulysses, believing that patience and care can elevate an elephant's intellect. As time passes, Ulysses not only learns language and communication but also begins to surpass the educational limitations of his human counterpart. Their bond transforms from master and servant into a complex relationship marked by the elephant's emerging superiority in knowledge and intellect. The climax of the tale arrives when Ulysses, having gained extensive knowledge from the reading of several complex texts, challenges his master's authority, leading to an unexpected tragic conclusion that highlights themes of ambition, hubris, and the wonders of intelligence—whether human or animal.
H. De Vere (Henry De Vere) Stacpoole
Kadjaman
"Kadjaman" by H. De Vere Stacpoole is a narrative fiction written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of nature, humanity, and the relationship between humans and animals, set against the backdrop of the intriguing landscapes of Borneo. Through its adventurous storyline, the novel reflects on the primal instincts that connect and divide different species. The story follows the events surrounding a boy named Ting and his strange bond with an orangutan named Kadjaman. After a series of events leading to Kadjaman's escape from captivity, he kidnaps Ting, taking him into the jungle. The boy's father, Tuan Marop, embarks on a perilous journey back into the wilderness to rescue his son, hoping to reclaim him from the clutches of nature. As Tuan confronts the stark realities of life in the jungle, the narrative raises questions about the essence of humanity and the potential for reversion to primal instincts when influenced by the wild. The tale weaves together elements of adventure and introspection, ultimately showcasing the complexities of family ties and the animalistic traits shared by humans and their closest relatives.
Marshall Saunders
Beautiful Joe: An Autobiography
"Beautiful Joe: An Autobiography" by Marshall Saunders is a novel published in 1893. Based on the true story of an abused dog rescued from near death, the book tells its tale from the animal's own perspective. Written to raise awareness of animal cruelty, it won a Humane Society writing contest and became the first Canadian book to sell over a million copies. The narrative follows Beautiful Joe's journey from suffering to rehabilitation, offering readers an intimate view into the dog's mind and experiences.
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps
Loveliness: A Story
"Loveliness: A Story" by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps is a poignant narrative penned in the late 19th century. This beautifully illustrated novella centers around the deep bond between a little girl named Adah and her beloved dog, Loveliness. It explores themes of love, loss, and the profound connection between humans and their pets, as experienced through the heart-wrenching circumstances they face. The story unfolds in a serene professor's household where Loveliness, a silver Yorkshire terrier, embodies both affection and intelligence. Adah, a fragile child, relies on Loveliness for comfort and companionship. When Loveliness goes missing, the household plunges into despair, reflecting the emotional ties that bind them. Phelps intricately portrays Adah’s heartbreak and gradual decline in health as she mourns for her canine companion. The narrative reaches a climax when Loveliness is discovered in the university’s medical school, having suffered indignities that test the professor’s moral fiber. Ultimately, the reunion between Adah and Loveliness serves as a testament to the healing power of love, illustrating how joy can triumph in the face of overwhelming grief.
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