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A Short History of the World According to Sheep

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A Short History of the World According to Sheep

By: Sally Coulthard
Narrated by: Karen Cass
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An addictively free-ranging survey of the massive impact that the domesticated ungulates of the genus Ovis have had on human history. 

From the plains of ancient Mesopotamia to the rolling hills of medieval England to the vast sheep farms of modern-day Australia, sheep have been central to the human story.  

Starting with our Neolithic ancestors' first forays into sheep-rearing nearly 10,000 years ago, these remarkable animals have fed us, clothed us, changed our diet and languages, helped us to win wars, decorated our homes and financed the conquest of large swathes of the earth. Enormous fortunes and new, society-changing industries have been made from the fleeces of sheep and cities shaped by shepherds' markets and meat trading.  

Sally Coulthard weaves the rich and fascinating story of sheep into a vivid and colourful tapestry, thickly threaded with engaging anecdotes and remarkable ovine facts, whose multiple strands reflect the deep penetration of these woolly animals into every aspect of human society and culture.

©2020 Sally Coulthard (P)2020 Head of Zeus Animals Biological Sciences Environment Outdoors & Nature Science Ancient History War Textile History
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Critic reviews

"This book deserves a place in your bookcase next to Harari's Sapiens. It's every bit as fascinating and is surely destined to be just as successful." (Julian Norton)

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Fascinating and accessible. Cannot recommend this book enough, I devoured it in one day because how interesting is was

Sheep influenced us so much!

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A light hearted trip through an unexpectedly fascinating world. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Well narrated too.

Great fun

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I loved this book. Lots of history amusing and surprising facts and confirmation of things I thought I knew.

Totally absorbing

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I never thought listening to a history book told through the intertwined relationship humans have had with sheep would be something I’d be interested in. However, the entire seven hours of this book were enthralling, interesting, engaging and something I will recommend to many people for years to come.

Incredibly interesting & unique

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I really enjoyed the humour that was brought to this book, it kept me throughly engaged. I also enjoyed the production of the audio book, there was just one issue with the recording where it jumped and missed half a sentence.

Throughly enjoyed this book

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