THE BOOK OF THE GIRAFFE. By CA Spinage

1968. Hard cover with dust cover; 191 pages. Very good condition. Tightly bound, neat and clean. Rust spots in front and back. Under 1kg.

Dr. Johnson described the giraffe as ""an Abyssinian animal, taller than the elephant, but not so thick."" The Greeks called the giraffe Camelopardalis; it has also been known as Camelion, and Camelox. It ranged over a great part of Europe and Asia in the Miocene and Pliocene eras, was widely distributed throughout Africa during the Pleistocene period. Fifteenth Century Chinese and nineteenth century Frenchmen were fascinated by this ""admirablest and fairest beast."" The present book introduces the literature, history, and habits of the giraffe, refers to precursors and cousins, existence in its now native habitat, visitations elsewhere. The illustrations are a notable complement and commentary. Appendices take up such questions as how the giraffe got its neck, such items as evolutionary theory, the disposition of skins, synonyms.