Lion

Majestic, noble, brave - judging from the wealth of myth, lore and legend surrounding them, lions have occupied a greater place in our imagination than any other animal. Throughout the course of time, human and lion have crossed paths and whether the result was happy or tragic, one thing is for certain - the event was memorable. Although the lion is not the largest, fastest or most dangerous animal, its position as king of beasts has rarely been challenged. Since Palaeolithic times, lions have fascinated people, and with its tawny pelage and luminous eyes, the animal continues to beguile us today. In Lion , Deirdre Jackson paints a fresh picture of this regal beast, drawing on folktales, the latest scientific research, lion-tamers’ memoirs, and other little-known sources. Famous lions are not left out in the cold, but greater attention is paid to less familiar stories. Recurrent and universal themes, such as the guardian lion, are explored alongside lesser-known traditions and tales specific to particular cultures. Painted on wood and canvas, chiselled in stone, hammered in metal and tucked between the pages of medieval manuscripts, lions abound in visual culture.
Lion summarizes the latest findings of field biologists and offers in-depth analyses of works of art, literature, oral traditions, plays and films. Lion guides the reader on a memorable cultural safari, while also offering a stunning visual feast.