Beastly Edinburgh

Edinburgh's history is intertwined with animals, from the Roman occupation to the present day. Animals have been used as symbols of prestige and respect, and they have played a crucial role in the city's economy, providing transportation, entertainment, and employment. Today, animals continue to be a part of Edinburgh's culture and heritage, with public sculptures, bas-reliefs, and artworks celebrating their presence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The captivating tapestry of a great city is intricately woven with the vibrant presence of animals, both visible and concealed within its historical narrative. The majestic lion rampant, symbolizing Scotland's royal heritage, graces the official standard of the nation, with its earliest depiction traceable back to the Roman occupation, predating the formation of Scotland as a sovereign nation. Animals, revered as symbols of prestige and respect, find their place in numerous public sculptures, bas-reliefs, and artworks throughout Edinburgh, serving as a testament to the city's artistic grandeur. Throughout centuries, animals such as horses have played a pivotal role in the economy, serving as diligent transportation vessels for goods and people, while their growing ownership spurred the demand for skilled professionals like saddlers, coach makers, grooms, fodder suppliers, horse trainers, farriers, smiths, and riding schools. Moreover, animals brought joy and wonder to the lives of Edinburgh's citizens, with remarkable instances such as the elephant housed in a tenement during the 1700s and the legendary Greyfriars Bobby, who dedicated fourteen years to guarding his owner's grave, earning him eternal fame through words, films, and monuments. During the Regency era, the traveling menagerie introduced the ordinary citizen to the exotic, paving the way for the Zoological Gardens Association to transform gardens and construct structures to house animals, creating the city's latest attraction.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 455 x 234 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398107304