In June 2014 Helen Cowie from York University published this book in the UK. It is probably the most comprehensive account of zoos and menageries written to date. As a scholar, Cowie’s writing is concise and covers many aspects of the travelling menagerie as well as the zoos up and down the country. Drawing from British Newspaper archives, she tells the tales that make the unique world of the travelling menagerie come to life again.
However, Cowie’s repeat of some overworked accounts leave her text somewhat lacking in authority in places.
Overall though, a good read and one for the committed menagerholic! Weighty price, but there’s an e-book too.
