SHEEPOLOGY

A broad overview of everything sheep.

The third in a series, following Pigology (2021) and Chickenology (2021), this well-illustrated, colorful Italian import covers everything from sheep’s relatives and ancestors to the practice of transhumance (the process of bringing domestic sheep to summer pastures). This general introduction contains enlightening—and sometimes fascinating—facts about sheep, both present day and throughout the ages. Sometimes the information is quite detailed, for example, a look at sheep anatomy and the process of begetting and birthing a lamb; sometimes it’s more basic, as in the brief examinations of legends involving sheep or wool and a look at the business of wool throughout history. Overall, this wide-ranging narrative gives readers a multitude of avenues to explore the more-exciting-than-you-may-think world of sheep—such as the sections on cheese making (using sheep’s milk), setting up a small sheep farm, “wool under the microscope,” and knitting, weaving, and felting. The book takes a global approach, discussing the annual migration that sheep and shepherds traditionally make or have made in Europe and Asia, for instance. The book concludes with descriptions of several different sheep breeds that may intrigue readers. Bright visuals with a collagelike feel are accurate though infused with humor—we’re told that North Ronaldsay sheep “prefer the beach,” and the accompanying image shows one by the seaside wearing sunglasses under an umbrella. People depicted are diverse.

A sprightly, attractive compendium of the world of sheep.