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The Unexpected Genius of Pigs

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The Unexpected Genius of Pigs

By: Matt Whyman
Narrated by: Matt Whyman
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We often consider dogs to be our enduring sidekicks but the truth is domestic pigs have played a role in our lives for nearly as long.

Pigs are highly social and smart. They like to play. They’re inventive, crafty and belligerent – and incredibly singleminded.

Ultimately, we have far more in common with these creatures than we like to admit.

Here is a charming ode to one of the most common, yet surprisingly intelligent, animals populating our landscapes. In this gentle and illuminating study, Matt Whyman embarks on a journey to uncover the heart and soul of an animal brimming with more energy, intelligence and playfulness than he could ever have imagined.

In his bid to understand what makes a pig tick, having climbed a steep learning curve as a keeper himself, Whyman meets a veterinary professor and expert in pig emotion, as well as a spirited hill farmer whose world revolves around hogs and sows.

Packed with fascinating research and delightful anecdotes, this entertaining and informative celebration of all things porcine covers everything from evolution, behaviour and communication to friendship, loyalty and broken hearts – uncovering a surprising notion of family along the way.

©2018 Matt Whyman (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers Agricultural & Food Sciences Animal Husbandry Animals Biological Sciences Outdoors & Nature Pets & Animal Care Science Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

For Pig in the Middle/Oink: My Life with Mini-pigs: "Move over Marley, a pair of cute mini-pigs are about to take over the world." (New York Post)

"What a fabulous, funny read! I enjoyed every page. Highly recommended for anyone with a pet, a partner, a family, a sense of humour...or even a minipig." (Sophie Kinsella)

"This merry memoir of family growing pains and too many pets has so many laugh-out-loud sequences it's embarrassing to read in public...the most good-hearted, hilarious memoir in years." (Shelf Awareness)

All stars
Most relevant
In my early childhood in rural N Wales pigs were not uncommon and are part of my earliest memories (as well as the farm horse) in the post-war early fifties. By the sixties everything had changed right down to having electricity and mains water in the village.

Later, factory farming livestock was recognised as cruel and unacceptable.

This book has given a wonderful insight into the life of a remarkable animal which has been much maligned and Iltreated.

I rarely review but this book has my full five stars for
everyone urban or rural.

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Piglets are divine

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