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Stories Rabbits Tell: A Natural and Cultural History of a Misunderstood Creature
Revered as a symbol of fertility, sexuality, purity and childhood, beloved as a children’s pet and widely represented in the myths, art and collectibles of almost every culture, the rabbit is one of the most popular animals known to humans. Ironically, it has also been one of the most misunderstood and abused. Indeed, the rabbit is the only animal that our culture adores as a pet, idolizes as a storybook hero and slaughters for commercial purposes. Stories Rabbits Tell takes a comprehensive look at the rabbit as a wild animal, ancient symbol, pop culture icon, commercial “product” and domesticated pet. In so doing, the book explores how one species can be simultaneously adored as a symbol of childhood (think Peter Rabbit), revered as a symbol of female sexuality (e.g., Playboy Bunnies), dismissed as a “dumb bunny” in domesticity and loathed as a pest in the wild. The authors counter these stereotypes with engaging analyses of real rabbit behavior, drawn both from the authors' own experience and from academic studies, and place those behaviors in the context of current debates about animal consciousness. In a detailed investigative section, the authors also describe conditions in the rabbit meat, fur, pet and vivisection industries, and raise important questions about the ethics of treating rabbits as we do. The first book of its kind, Stories Rabbits Tell provides invaluable information and insight into the life and history of an animal whom many love, but whom most of us barely know. As such, it is a key addition to the current thinking on animal emotions, intelligences and welfare, and the way that human perceptions influence the treatment of individual species.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2003
21 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 17, 2021
I didn't quite know what to expect from this book, being that I bought it several years ago and have since forgotten why I specifically wanted to read it, and after living for over a year with two not-so-well-cleaned-up-after rabbits and two hopelessly messy humans (i.e. the smell from too infrequently cleaned litter boxes and the excess of fur from never vacuuming), I think I love the idea of rabbits more than the actual creature. I mean, of course I love them in the sense I would care for one if necessary and I don't want any harm to come to them, but as a symbol, they're most powerful to me (as I would read about later in the book). My kind have often been called- presumably derogatorily, which I fail to see- "bunny huggers" since I and others somewhat like me find it reprehensible that animals (and it's mostly rabbits, as I would confirm later in the book) are used for scientific testing, are hunted, abused, neglected, eaten, etc. Personally, I like bunny hugger. And cow hugger. Hugs are good.
This book was thorough. Coming from such a personal and emotional place such as the writers did (both care for house rabbits and are involved with rabbit rescue), that's a huge credit to them. Obviously, editorializing wasn't completely absent, as it shouldn't be, but it was kept to an appropriate level. There was a huge emphasis on the domestic rabbit, and how they are used in the pet, food, fur, and scientific testing industries, but also much about wild rabbits, specifically how in much of the world they are an invasive species (thanks, humans!), destroying natural ecosystems (or just taking up land and food for other invasive domestic species humans profit from) and the horrific ways the previously mentioned screw-up humans try to eradicate them, such as purposely releasing deadly viruses into the environment. I know- how can anyone pass up on that fantastic idea?! Small comfort that such viruses have not demonstrated to evolve and jump species... yet.
There's also plenty of history of how rabbits appear in mythology, religion, ancient civilizations, and modern pop culture. It was interesting to read about the cute, Easter bunny image most people have of the rabbit, but the actual creature itself doesn't get much attention, especially to its various plights (zealously bloody culling, testing/torture, fur and meat, unwanted pets euthanized or mistreated). The facts about word etymology absolutely fascinated me- the original Latin name for rabbit or their burrows, cuniculus, is the root word for all sorts of perjorative terms for a woman, or her various parts. The female and rabbit association is quite prominent, in this society, and societies past.
The only chapter I thought was somewhat weak was the chapter on rabbits used in the meat industry. I think this was because, with the focus being about rabbits, the implications of slaughter for other species wasn't tackled as well. And you can't focus on only one animal- that's the same as the speciesism the writers were criticizing (if you think it's wrong to eat dogs and cats, why is it okay to eat [insert commonly eaten animal here], to put it simplistically). But the writers handled it far better than a lot would have, and I think that's due to the fact that later on you learn that one of the writers is a vegetarian, having come to that lifestyle after being involved in rabbit rescue. It's also interesting to learn that one of the forerunners of the rabbit rescue movement, and one of the first authorities on the care of house rabbits, Marinell Harriman, is also a vegetarian. To me, this speaks volumes on their credibility. Then book was also meticulously researched and referenced from a variety of sources, and has now led me to put 16 additional books on my already insane "to read" list.
I feel sympathetic (or is it empathetic?) to rabbits and the people who love them. I thought my favourite species, the rat, had a bad lot in life, but they aren't fighting the PR image of cute and cuddly Easter bunny vs. disposable pet/pest/experiment fodder. It seems a lot more complicated and a hard fight. Bunnies, I salute you!
This book was thorough. Coming from such a personal and emotional place such as the writers did (both care for house rabbits and are involved with rabbit rescue), that's a huge credit to them. Obviously, editorializing wasn't completely absent, as it shouldn't be, but it was kept to an appropriate level. There was a huge emphasis on the domestic rabbit, and how they are used in the pet, food, fur, and scientific testing industries, but also much about wild rabbits, specifically how in much of the world they are an invasive species (thanks, humans!), destroying natural ecosystems (or just taking up land and food for other invasive domestic species humans profit from) and the horrific ways the previously mentioned screw-up humans try to eradicate them, such as purposely releasing deadly viruses into the environment. I know- how can anyone pass up on that fantastic idea?! Small comfort that such viruses have not demonstrated to evolve and jump species... yet.
There's also plenty of history of how rabbits appear in mythology, religion, ancient civilizations, and modern pop culture. It was interesting to read about the cute, Easter bunny image most people have of the rabbit, but the actual creature itself doesn't get much attention, especially to its various plights (zealously bloody culling, testing/torture, fur and meat, unwanted pets euthanized or mistreated). The facts about word etymology absolutely fascinated me- the original Latin name for rabbit or their burrows, cuniculus, is the root word for all sorts of perjorative terms for a woman, or her various parts. The female and rabbit association is quite prominent, in this society, and societies past.
The only chapter I thought was somewhat weak was the chapter on rabbits used in the meat industry. I think this was because, with the focus being about rabbits, the implications of slaughter for other species wasn't tackled as well. And you can't focus on only one animal- that's the same as the speciesism the writers were criticizing (if you think it's wrong to eat dogs and cats, why is it okay to eat [insert commonly eaten animal here], to put it simplistically). But the writers handled it far better than a lot would have, and I think that's due to the fact that later on you learn that one of the writers is a vegetarian, having come to that lifestyle after being involved in rabbit rescue. It's also interesting to learn that one of the forerunners of the rabbit rescue movement, and one of the first authorities on the care of house rabbits, Marinell Harriman, is also a vegetarian. To me, this speaks volumes on their credibility. Then book was also meticulously researched and referenced from a variety of sources, and has now led me to put 16 additional books on my already insane "to read" list.
I feel sympathetic (or is it empathetic?) to rabbits and the people who love them. I thought my favourite species, the rat, had a bad lot in life, but they aren't fighting the PR image of cute and cuddly Easter bunny vs. disposable pet/pest/experiment fodder. It seems a lot more complicated and a hard fight. Bunnies, I salute you!
April 20, 2015
An extremely interesting read for those that find rabbits (or even animals' general place in society) fascinating. I wish I could give it 4 stars but at different points throughout the book (especially in the chapters dealing with rabbits' portrayals throughout history) it began to read like an uninspired college paper, full of boring lists of source material and quotes or repetitive points that don't end up amounting to much of a point - at least not an insightful one. The sections on the morphology, behavior, and uses of rabbits, however, were very well written and raised interesting points and observations. A solid book overall but definitely one that rabbit lovers will find particularly engrossing.
February 8, 2013
This book is a phenomenal resource for rabbit lovers. I've shared my home with house rabbits for over a decade now, so I was excited to learn new things about rabbits in the course of reading this book. I loved the comprehensive information on the natural and cultural history of rabbits. And it's not just for rabbit lovers - as a biologist, I found it fascinating. Anyone who is interested in the natural and cultural history of animals in general should read this book.
As a house rabbit owner, the second part of the book was difficult to read, but necessary in understanding what domestic rabbits go through in the commercial industries (fur, product testing, meat production, and mass pet industry). Davis and DeMello do an excellent job of illustrating the disconnect between the general public's perception of rabbits and the reality of rabbit-based industries. They do point out that most house rabbit enthusiasts find it difficult to think about the plight of the rabbits condemned to life in these industries - which is so true. We don't want to think about it, but it is reality and cannot be ignored. We are the ones who need to lobby for more humane treatment in ALL of these industries (and ideally I'd like to see them eliminated, but that probably won't ever happen. These chapters are a good wake-up call for those of us who want to see all rabbits treated humanely.
I cannot put into words how amazing this book is. Every rabbit owner should read it (yes, even the difficult chapters), and I hope that non-"rabbit people" will pick it up and read it too. It is a fascinating insight into the history and lives of an animal that is usually only given a cursory glance by the general public. This book made me feel even more privileged to currently share my home with three of these amazing creatures.
As a house rabbit owner, the second part of the book was difficult to read, but necessary in understanding what domestic rabbits go through in the commercial industries (fur, product testing, meat production, and mass pet industry). Davis and DeMello do an excellent job of illustrating the disconnect between the general public's perception of rabbits and the reality of rabbit-based industries. They do point out that most house rabbit enthusiasts find it difficult to think about the plight of the rabbits condemned to life in these industries - which is so true. We don't want to think about it, but it is reality and cannot be ignored. We are the ones who need to lobby for more humane treatment in ALL of these industries (and ideally I'd like to see them eliminated, but that probably won't ever happen. These chapters are a good wake-up call for those of us who want to see all rabbits treated humanely.
I cannot put into words how amazing this book is. Every rabbit owner should read it (yes, even the difficult chapters), and I hope that non-"rabbit people" will pick it up and read it too. It is a fascinating insight into the history and lives of an animal that is usually only given a cursory glance by the general public. This book made me feel even more privileged to currently share my home with three of these amazing creatures.
February 17, 2016
Great cultural history of the rabbit in all of the ways we know the animal- as a wild animal, in pop culture, as a pet, and exploited for meat, fur, & animal testing. I flew through the first 2/3 of the book and loved going through all of the history of rabbits in pop culture. It was hard to get through the last 3rd about the exploitation of rabbits, so sad, frustrating, and angering. But definitely some really important information that only gets a short mention in other books I've read on veganism, but the chapters here go much more into depth about the meat, fur, and animal testing industries with rabbits.
I had a moment where I was reminded of when I was maybe 9 yrs old and a friend of mine tried to give me a rabbit pelt as a gift and I didn't want it, totally horrified that this piece of fur used to belong to a live animal.
Definitely a very interesting and worthwhile read that I'd recommend even if you're not a rabbit "owner" or vegetarian/vegan.
I had a moment where I was reminded of when I was maybe 9 yrs old and a friend of mine tried to give me a rabbit pelt as a gift and I didn't want it, totally horrified that this piece of fur used to belong to a live animal.
Definitely a very interesting and worthwhile read that I'd recommend even if you're not a rabbit "owner" or vegetarian/vegan.
February 17, 2013
This is an amazing book. Its so well written, organized and well researched. This is THE BOOK on rabbits in the market. It is so comprehensive and covers so many interesting subjects and topics on rabbits.
I've been looking to learn more about rabbits, and was very excited to get my hands on this book. I was very happy to find out that the authors took a very fact-based route with no predetermined assumptions about rabbits. The authors do not seem to have a hidden agenda throughout the book, they don't engage in attacks against breeders or rabbit rescues. They mostly present facts and follow with their own commentary and analysis.
I've been looking to learn more about rabbits, and was very excited to get my hands on this book. I was very happy to find out that the authors took a very fact-based route with no predetermined assumptions about rabbits. The authors do not seem to have a hidden agenda throughout the book, they don't engage in attacks against breeders or rabbit rescues. They mostly present facts and follow with their own commentary and analysis.
November 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, and what is even funnier is my Father of 65 years also really enjoyed this book.
I was disappointed with the meat section, and as I have rabbit as pets. I decided to skip that part because it made me uncomfortable. This 4 stars.
Other than that it’s a good read with interesting history and personal stories about rabbits.
I was disappointed with the meat section, and as I have rabbit as pets. I decided to skip that part because it made me uncomfortable. This 4 stars.
Other than that it’s a good read with interesting history and personal stories about rabbits.
March 24, 2014
Nary a recipe for rabbit stew was found therein.
June 18, 2020
I never had a bunny before and I never cared about the pet bunnies of my friends the way I paid attention to their dogs or cats. But now that I got one I really fell in love with that little boy and his personality. This showed me that rabbits are indeed misunderstood. Now I wanted to read a book about a rabbit and was disappointed to find out that there are by far not as many as about cats. There are books on how treat your pet but not much otherwise. This was the best book I found and it was published in 2003.
The book is indeed really good. The authors know and love them a lot and did a good job to open up a bunny world to people who don't know much about them. The first part was about the history of rabbits as well as what they are like in their homes. Loved it, learned a lot about my bunny from it. The second one was about bunnies in culture such as myths from different countries, books, art etc. This was also very interesting.
The last part was about things like meat industry, fur and labs. This was really painful to read. But it just had to be there. As it says rabbits are often ignored since they are misunderstood and people don't know what they are like. And only a small number lives happily in our homes compared to a huge number that is abused and suffers. I looked up information of this from our time and unfortunately while things might be getting better it is way too slow. Meat industry is actually growing when it comes to rabbits. I hope at least that fur will die and labs will soon use much more alternative methods than now.
It is definitely a very interesting book for bunny lovers and hopefully will be read by people who don't know much about them to bring more interest and compassion. It deserves 5 stars for a wide range of information and pretty much being one of a kind. I wish there would be more books to read and ones more recently published.
The book is indeed really good. The authors know and love them a lot and did a good job to open up a bunny world to people who don't know much about them. The first part was about the history of rabbits as well as what they are like in their homes. Loved it, learned a lot about my bunny from it. The second one was about bunnies in culture such as myths from different countries, books, art etc. This was also very interesting.
The last part was about things like meat industry, fur and labs. This was really painful to read. But it just had to be there. As it says rabbits are often ignored since they are misunderstood and people don't know what they are like. And only a small number lives happily in our homes compared to a huge number that is abused and suffers. I looked up information of this from our time and unfortunately while things might be getting better it is way too slow. Meat industry is actually growing when it comes to rabbits. I hope at least that fur will die and labs will soon use much more alternative methods than now.
It is definitely a very interesting book for bunny lovers and hopefully will be read by people who don't know much about them to bring more interest and compassion. It deserves 5 stars for a wide range of information and pretty much being one of a kind. I wish there would be more books to read and ones more recently published.
December 19, 2017
This book is everything I wanted to read about rabbits and more. Everyone who knows me, knows I'm OBSESSED with rabbits. Of course, I have four and they are house rabbits. I've read the House Rabbit book cover to cover and my house is also full of rabbit memorabilia. So yeah, I'm giving this book 5 stars. This was such an in depth look at rabbits in our culture and I learned a lot of stuff that I didn't know about the history of rabbits in research, how little is actually known about them. (I know that Lockley's book in the 50's was basically the only long run study on rabbits in the wild, but that was so long ago that I feel like its still outdated) I had a particularly hard time reading the last few chapters on the meat rabbit industry and the fur rabbit trade. But I agree with the book's approach that the abuse of rabbits won't change until how they're viewed in culture changes. This book also cited some other books on animal behavior that I've read or am going to read. Overall, I think this book covered everything it needed to for it's aim. I personally would have liked more folklore, but let's get real: that book would have been an anthology.
April 21, 2023
So much information and history part packed in this book! I recommend it even as for reference. Of course there are some sadder parts like how people develop strategies and approaches men has tried to fight these 'pests' but they carried at a heavy price. The best approach is educating the public about risks associated with rabbit breeding, overpopulation and lack of oversight on ecological effects as a result of culling.
July 25, 2018
Incredible book. Rabbits are indeed misunderstood. I found some passages hard to read as i am very emotional when it comes to the welfare of rabbits and of animals in general. But its the heartbreaking truth and well written.
July 26, 2015
i bought this book three years ago in an online auction for the minnesota companion rabbit society. after getting it, and skimming through it, i realized that parts of it were going to be a tough read. so there it sat, on my nightstand, in my "to read" pile, since 2012. recently, when i was moving the book out of the way of our house rabbit who enjoys nibbling on book corners, my wife said, "ayo, when are you going to read that book?"
so i guess the time was now. and while it is very well researched, and interesting to hear a lot of the history behind rabbits in folklore and culture, the chapters about animal testing, breeding, and rabbit meat were all, as expected, horrifying to read.
the book itself was published in 2005, i think, so a bulk of the "recent" research is from the dark ages of the internet in 2002-4. with how far the idea of animal rights and the understanding of house rabbits have come, it would be interested to read an updated version of this book. i mean, read parts of an updated version of this book. there's a bulk of it i don't think i would want to read again due to just how disconcerting and graphic the descriptions are.
so i guess the time was now. and while it is very well researched, and interesting to hear a lot of the history behind rabbits in folklore and culture, the chapters about animal testing, breeding, and rabbit meat were all, as expected, horrifying to read.
the book itself was published in 2005, i think, so a bulk of the "recent" research is from the dark ages of the internet in 2002-4. with how far the idea of animal rights and the understanding of house rabbits have come, it would be interested to read an updated version of this book. i mean, read parts of an updated version of this book. there's a bulk of it i don't think i would want to read again due to just how disconcerting and graphic the descriptions are.
April 6, 2014
As a bunny owner, the stories in this book were charming. Of course, the chapters on raising bunnies for meat, pelts and research were equally disturbing. I kinda skimmed over the chapters on icons of rabbits in media as I really just wanted rabbit behavior. The conclusion that talks about bunny mills and how abusive the breeding and selling systems are made me want to go out and adopt every bunny I could. It is very sad that our society doesn't recognize the value of these amazing creatures.
February 26, 2008
Not exactly a handbook for the care of rabbits. Yet not exactly a study of them either. This book is written by two academic types who are heads of rabbit organizations and definitely lean towards strongly advocating rabbits as house/companion animals. It is an enjoyable read with a combined history of the species, guide to behavior, and place in society and culture.
August 26, 2009
Admittedly, I imagine this book is more enjoyable when you had/have/plan to adopt a pet rabbit(s). However, I think this book can be appreciated by all animal lovers and cultural anthropologists alike as it explores the historical role of rabbits. There is an impressive lack of literature about rabbits and this book fills that gap well.
February 27, 2012
I loved all the history and Interesting facts about the misunderstood creature the rabbit.
if you love animal history this is the book for you!
or if you love Rabbits!
Which easy to say I do.
If you are looking for a book with rabbits or you are looking for a book with animals in it,
THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY BOOKS FOR YOU!
if you love animal history this is the book for you!
or if you love Rabbits!
Which easy to say I do.
If you are looking for a book with rabbits or you are looking for a book with animals in it,
THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY BOOKS FOR YOU!
July 7, 2013
A fantastic look at rabbits as house pets, rabbits and their contradicting labels in culture through time (witchcraft, sex symbols, cute fluffy babies), and rabbits and their treatment in the meat, fur, and cosmetics industry. Worth a read for anyone remotely interested in rabbits, or pets in general.
April 9, 2013
Great book if you want to know about rabbits or just love them like I do. Lots of historical information about how rabbits came to be a popular pet today and unfortunately other issues such as the meat and fur trade.
September 11, 2012
This book is a very comprehensive look at the role(s) rabbits play in our society. No other animal is used for so many different purposes. The book is at times difficult to read, especially if you have a house rabbit or love animals. Nevertheless, I wish everyone would read it.
Want to read
March 27, 2013Found about this through a bunny group on Ravelry.
April 3, 2011
I learned a ton about rabbits that I had no clue about before. Excellent reference/story book!
February 10, 2013
Made me want to get a pet rabbit.
June 21, 2015
I enjoyed this book! There aren't too many good books out there for us bunny-lovers; and I think it's a good read for those new to bunnies (and their many charms) too!!
April 25, 2016
An informative, enjoyable read for anyone who loves rabbits or animals in general. The chapters in Part Three are not easy to read but should be read.
December 19, 2009
Finished reading the book at 11.58 pm.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews