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.
In The Unexpected Genius of Pigs, Matt Whyman delves into the world of pig husbandry, exploring the science and ethology behind these surprisingly intelligent animals. From their playful nature to their single-minded determination, Whyman paints a vivid picture of life on the farm, where agriculture and zoology intersect in unexpected ways.
For fans of Damian Hall (In It for the Long Run), Dean Karnazes (Ultramarathon Man), Richard Askwith (Unbreakable), Anna Mcnuff (Barefoot Britain), and Kim Smith (Enjoy Your Life).
