Of Wolves and Men

By Barry Lopez

Originally published in 1978, this classic exploration of humanity’s complex relationship with and understanding of wolves returns with a new afterword by the author.

Humankind's relationship with the wolf is the sum of a spectrum of responses ranging from fear to admiration and affection. Lopez’s classic, careful study has won praise from a wide range of reviewers and improved the way books on wild animals are written. Of Wolves and Men explores the uneasy interaction between wolves and civilization over the centuries, and the wolf's prominence in our thoughts about wild creatures. Drawing upon an impressive array of literature, history, science, and mythology as well as extensive personal experience with captive and free-ranging wolves, Lopez argues for the wolf's preservation and immerses the reader in its sensory world, creating a compelling portrait of the wolf both as a real animal and as imagined by different kinds of men. A scientist might perceive the wolf as defined by research data, while an Eskimo hunter sees a family provider much like himself. For many Native Americans the wolf is also a spiritual symbol, a respected animal that can strengthen the individual and the community. With irresistible charm and elegance, Of Wolves and Men celebrates careful scientific fieldwork, dispels folklore that has enabled the Western mind to demonize wolves, explains myths, and honors indigenous traditions, allowing us to understand how this remarkable animal has become so prominent for so long in the human heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Scribner
• Release date: Jun 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9781668075371

Barry Lopez

Barry Lopez (1945–2020) was the author of thirteen books of essays, short stories, and nonfiction. He was a recipient of the National Book Award, the Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and numerous other literary and cultural honors and awards. His highly acclaimed books include Arctic Dreams, Winter Count, and Of Wolves and Men, for which he received the John Burroughs and Christopher medals. He lived in western Oregon.

Reviews for Of Wolves and Men

[grace.van.moer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

More scientific than I was expecting.

[earthlistener · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An older book but still a classic in books about wolves, and still a good read. This book reviews over the complex and varying relationships between wolves and men. The book explores the complex and long seeded relationship man has had with wolves throughout history. A really nice read.

[poetontheone · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A definitive tract in which Lopez examines the history of man's relationship with the wolf, approaching it from several angles. A detailed work that should be read by those who love wolves and those who despise them. Both will learn that their picture of the wolf is a mere perception in the face of an arcane reality beyond the possibility of total comprehension in the human mind. Beautiful, horrifying, and ultimately illuminating.

[themagiciansgirl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Barry Holstun Lopez loves wolves. And he’s written a remarkable book about them. But he’s not trying to convince you to love wolves, nor is he condeming you if you fear or deplore them. Rather, he’s exploring the historical, mythological, cultural and emotional connection we humans have to this secretive animal. Mr. Lopez shows us how a creature we know so little about has made such an impact on our literature, lore and psyche. And how we, in turn, have made a huge impact on him.The relationship between man and wolf is long and complicated, and sometimes unknowable. But the author is not attempting to explain everything. Instead he wants us to suspend some questions and, as his says in his afterward, “live in the mystery.” By giving us this option, it’s clear that what Mr. Lopez has ultimately given us, the reader, and the wolf, is the highest level of respect. This is a beautiful, wide-ranging and moving book.