The Pig: A Natural History - Hardcover

by Richard Lutwyche (Author)

A comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction to the fascinating natural history of the pig, from prehistory to the present

At any given time, there are around one billion pigs in the world; that's one for every seven of us. And where would we be without them? Prolific, ubiquitous, smart, adaptable, and providers of high-quality protein, pigs have been our companions since neolithic times, when they obligingly domesticated themselves, coming in from the wild to root around our waste pits. But it's not all about the bacon; today, bred in micro sizes, the resourceful pig has developed a whole new career as a popular pet. And thanks to genome mapping, we now know that the pig shares many common physiological features with humans, spurring the use of pig tissue and organs in medical research and surgery. Beautifully designed and illustrated, The Pig provides a snout-to-tail natural history of this important species, from the prehistoric "hell pig" to today's placid porker, covering the pig's evolution and domestication, anatomy and biology, behavior, role in human life and culture, and breeds. The book also features an engrossing and visually stunning photographic gallery of some thirty popular breeds from around the world, with essential information about each. Filled with surprising facts and insights, The Pig will delight anyone who loves these animals and wants to understand them better.

• Provides a comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction to the pig's evolution and domestication, anatomy and biology, behavior, role in human life and culture, and breeds
  
• Features infographics, diagrams, and 250 stunning color photographs
  
• Includes a beautiful photographic directory to some 30 popular breeds from around the world, with essential information about each
  

Author Biography

Richard Lutwyche has been interested in pigs since he was a child, growing up on a farm alongside a herd of pedigree Wessex Saddlebacks. He ran the Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig Breeders' Club, was editor of The Ark magazine for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, and is chief steward and organizer of one of Britain's largest pig shows. He is the author of Pig Keeping and Higgledy-Piggledy and in 2010 received the lifetime achievement award in the BBC Food & Farming Awards for his work in pig husbandry and the conservation of rare pig breeds.