wonder | wander | world recommended reading and week pick is this quaint gem of a book. A thousand-year-old fable of startling relevance for us today.
The Animals Lawsuit Against Humanity is a translation by two rabbis, illustrated by one Moslem, introduced by another, and edited by a Christian. It is a true interfaith collaboration and multicultural fable.
A meeting of animals of many different species - including birds, insects, and the four legged - decide to arraign human beings for exploiting and abusing them. The trial is held at the court of the King of the Spirits.
Both humans and animals testify before the King, both sides argue their points ingeniously, deftly illustrating the validity of both sides of the ecology debate.
The book is divided into Gates instead of Chapters. Firstly, how we enslaved them and how they brought the case before the king. Then the king consults his wise men, After which the animals and the humans each hold separate and secret meetings. The court then sits and hears the case of each side. Finally the king passes judgement.
Ancient versions of this tale is believed to have originated in India - first written in Arabic about 1000 A.D. Then translated into Hebrew, and later into Latin, Yiddish, German and Spanish. This English translation is an adaptation of the Hebrew version.
This latest version - exquisitely illustrated with twelve original color plates - is an apt introduction to environmental and animal rights issues. A timely reminder of humanity's effect on the natural environment and the continuing conflict and divisiveness of our nature.
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