Raccoon - (Animal) by Daniel Heath Justice (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Masked bandits of the night, raiders of farm crops and rubbish bins, raccoons are notorious for their indifference to human property and propriety. Yet they are also admired for their intelligence, dexterity, and determination. Raccoons have thoroughly adapted to human-dominated environments--they are thriving in numbers greater than at any point of their evolutionary history, including in new habitats. Raccoon surveys the natural and cultural history of this opportunistic omnivore, tracing its biological evolution, social significance, and image in a range of media and political contexts. From intergalactic misanthropes and despoilers of ancient temples to coveted hunting quarry, unpredictable pet, and symbols of wilderness and racist stereotype alike, Raccoon offers a lively consideration of this misunderstood outlaw species.

Review Quotes

"Raccoon is an incredible examination of the animal that delves into its natural history, symbolism and cultural origins, appropriation to perpetuate racial stereotypes and hatred, and myriad other ways it has impacted the human world. . . . The raccoon of today lives in a world that, if we were in its paws, would be in a post-apocalyptic landscape. . . . With powerful physical dexterity, an omnivorous appetite, and an evolving intelligence, raccoons have an innate ability to create new and thriving homes in the wake of loss and exile. We could learn a lot from them because, as Justice considers in his epilogue, the future may be raccoon."-- "Electric Literature, "7 Books that Explore the Love, Hate, Desire, and Revenge of Animals""

"Justice's Raccoon is a fascinating and thoughtfully written exploration of its subject in science and culture--and a must-read for anyone like me who is curious about what, for example, Raccoon Mother (our best yard raccoon) is thinking on any given day."--Jeff VanderMeer "New York Times Book Review, "By the Book""

"[A] deep dive into the biological, taxonomical, historical, and cultural significance of Procyon lotor. . . . This is more than just a thorough primer on the nocturnal mammal whose roots can be traced back in the fossil record some thirty million years; it is a nuanced interrogation of the many behaviours, habitats, and characteristics the little guy shares with us."--Michael Strizic "Literary Review of Canada"

"A wonderful, brilliantly written book about one of my favorite animals. Just such a joy to read--and I learned so much. You'll never see raccoons the same again. A book I'll cherish in years to come."--Jeff VanderMeer, author of the New York Times-bestselling Southern Reach Trilogy

"Beautifully written and superbly illustrated, this engaging book traces the history of the ubiquitous masked bandits as a species, as a symbol, and as a reflection of our society."--Suzanne MacDonald, Professor of Psychology, York University, Toronto

About the Author

Daniel Heath Justice (Cherokee Nation) is professor of critical indigenous studies and English at the University of British Columbia. He is the author of Badger, also published by Reaktion Books.