This international bestseller that changed the way we look at wolves “opens new horizons in understanding animal nature and intelligence” (Newsday). In 1948, Farley Mowat landed in the far north of Manitoba, Canada, a young biologist sent to investigate the region’s dwindling population of caribou. Many people thought that the caribous’ conspicuous decline had been caused by the tundra’s most … caused by the tundra’s most notorious predator: the wolf. Alone among the howling canine packs, Mowat expected to find the bloodthirsty beasts of popular conception. Instead, over the course of a summer spent observing the powerful animals, Mowat discovered an animal species with a remarkable capacity for loyalty, virtue, and playfulness.
Praised for its humor and engrossing narrative, Never Cry Wolf describes a group of wolves whose interactions and behaviors seem strikingly similar to our own. Mowat humanizes these animals that have long been demonized, turning the widespread narrative of the “savage wolf” on its head and inspiring many governments to enact protective legislation for the North’s most mysterious creature.
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I love Farley Mowat’s books. They are very informative, but read like stories.
This book is important for so many reasons, not the least of which is that wolves are being slaughtered wholesale in the United States, simply because humans feel inconvenienced and alleged humans need to kill things to feel superior.
Farley Mowat was commissioned by a Canadian government agency to prove that arctic wolves were the cause of dwindling numbers of caribou. It seemed that there were simply too few caribou for rich, bored, trophy hunters to enjoy slaughtering, and the obviously bloodthirsty, deadly-dangerous wolves had to be at fault. Mowat discovered instead what was causing the low numbers of caribou (humans), how the wolves lived (and on what food source), and wrote of his findings in a somewhat self-deprecating, no-nonsense, carefully documented work that governments, hunters, the travel industry, and any number of anti-environmentalists have tried to discredit, disprove, and otherwise suppress. This, alone, should tell you something.
The work drops one star short of five primarily for being insufficiently edited and, in some ways, incomplete. The narrative feels as if it stopped just short of where one wishes it to; there’s more to learn, more to tell, and the simple, unfortunate truth is that Mowat couldn’t continue his observations. In a broad sense, no one has, but a few success stories have arisen. The most famous of these concerns the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park; a good description of this can be found in this YouTube video (https://youtu.be/oSBL7Gk_9QU).
I recommend this book with the utmost enthusiasm, if only to stir the interest of those who still harbor the false notion of the Big Bad Wolf. In the current climate of “cancel culture,” perhaps that is one children’s book that we should reconsider. Perhaps we could at least substitute The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig, which has a much nicer ending and shows just how wonderful fictional wolves can be. From there, perhaps we can learn how wonderful real wolves are.
Wouldn’t it be interesting if an illustrator chose to bring select parts of this book into a children’s work…
I got this book as a Christmas present and just read it. I wasn’t really sure I would like it. But I LOVED it! Usually I don’t read books like that one, usually it’s cozy mystery’s. But I’m glad I read this one. I never knew how complex wolves behaviors were. Who knew they had a special hunting ritual, and other stuff. A friend of mine also read this book and loved it. I also have The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be, that I will be reading! 100% recommend to everyone!
It was well written and quite funny. It is always amazing how people come up with ideas and information that are so incorrect. His experiences and how he got to the study area was very funny.
He learned the truth over time and he published the truth. To no avail as decision makers did not listen to him.
I read another book of his immediately thereafter, about his experiences in WW-II another well written book worth a read.
This book is a classic study of wolves and naturally requires a spot in every naturalists library. It takes an objective view by a man living and observing wolves on their natural setting, sand firmly debunks the ignorance of the mythic place of wolves created by superstition and ignorance. It is also a page turning good read.
Really good read especially if you relate to dogs, cops and mysteries.
A classic read for wolf lovers. This biologist was sent during the 1940s to a desolate place in northern Canada where he was to do study of wolves. He is a wonderful, witty writer, pulling you along while you learn everything you wanted to know about this gorgeous animal. Read it!!!
A surprising and partly accidental scientific exploration with amazing results. Mr. Mowat lived like a wolf right down to their diet. Their family structure is quite interesting and perhaps surprising to some.
Love this book.
A wonderful book! Spell binding!
Best nature book I’ve read in years. Bought the book in hard cover as a gift to my grandson
This book was a nice change of pace from my usual. And what can I say?I I root for the underdog.
Beautiful writing and compelling true story.
I really enjoyed this book! Mr. Mowat was among the first to go into the wilderness and study wolves. His book is full of information regarding how wolves spend their days and it is also funny. He does not mind telling stories of silly things he did and letting us laugh at/with him. The book was over before I wanted it to be. I think you’ll love this one!
This would have been truly fascinating if only what Mowat says could’ve been trusted. From what I could find out it is mostly created out of whole cloth and can not be believed. A disappointment.
I want download PDF