Dog days of history The incredible story of our best friends

While scientists debate when and where dogs were first domesticated, Albee (Poison, 2017) believes one thing's certain: Their story is entwined with our story. Here Albee traces that unbreakable bond through the ages. Over nine info-packed chapters, readers learn about dogs' original purposes (hunting, protection, war, warmth); the people who've owned them (the wealthy); and how several breeds scattered across the globe (imperialism). Importantly, Albee doesn't shy away from the darker parts of canine history. European explorers like Columbus and Cortés, for example, deployed dogs to terrorize and kill indigenous peoples, and many U.S. dogs stationed in Vietnam were deliberately abandoned postwar. There are also anecdotes aplenty (did you know we can thank rabid French mutts for the success of Pasteur's experimental rabies vaccine?). The layout, too, is engaging. While frequent Paws to Consider asides offer fun facts, dynamic photos showcase ancient art, ads, and plenty of pooches in action. With a thorough Bibliodography and Rufferences to boot, this is a chatty, illuminating, impressively comprehensive addition to the canine canon. Pup-lovers: get your paws on this.--Shemroske, Briana Copyright 2018 Booklist

From hunters and protectors to lap dogs and playmates, the role of dogs throughout human history is chronicled in classic National Geographic style. Albee's engaging prose details the fascinating ways in which their history has intertwined with ours. Packed with information and images in an eye-catching layout, this volume will give dog lovers new appreciation for their beloved companions. Reading list. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.