Diary of a Dog Walker: Time Spent Following a Lead

Stourton, Edward

ISBN 10: 0857520075 / ISBN 13: 9780857520074

Published by Doubleday UK, 2011

About this Item

Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00052603276

Bibliographic Details

Title: Diary of a Dog Walker: Time Spent Following ...

Publisher: Doubleday UK

Publication Date: 2011

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Good

Edition: 4th Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

Anyone who ever walks a dog will know that if you are accompanied by a dog you can talk to anyone, and anyone can talk to you - about anything. What is more, while we may know that a dog is just a dog, we continue to allow ourselves to speak and think of our dogs as friends, individuals with a full claim on our affections. 'The reward is that dog-walking becomes like reading a novel, or watching a play: disbelief is suspended and for an hour or so, we are given licence to escape ordinary life. Fantasy flourishes and really quite trivial moments in a dog's life become a source of wonder to be laughed about and even worried over..'

As Edward Stourton takes Kudu for his walk he finds himself considering the whole gamut of things canine: Just how well does he know Kudu - and can our dogs know us as well? Do dogs perceive ownership as we do? How devoted is a dog? Are dogs ever really guilty? And why are they a symbol of depression when so much of the time our dogs cheer us up... ? Along the way he finds himself exploring much bigger subjects - war, bravery; office politics, current affairs, all given sudden levity and a new sanity when viewed through the prism of walking the dog.

Funny, touching and surprisingly revealing - this is a sparkling source of amusement and comfort for dog-walkers everywhere.

Review:

"Utter magic. Edward Stourton is civilized, charming, and writes like an angel. The dogs all spring to life but this is a gorgeous book for everybody - not just for dog lovers. I love it" (Jilly Cooper)

"Stourton is a genuinely warm and engaging writer who clearly loves his canine companion, despite his (relatively few) faults, and this little book is a tasty treat for dog owners and dog lovers" (Bookgeeks.co.uk)

"The sort of book that might convert even a cat-lover to the charm of canine company" (Jane Shilling Mail on Sunday)

"After a career setback at BBC radio, Edward Stourton took stock of his life with these imaginative meanders with Kudu his English springer spaniel, who seemed to have an angst-free life. This is the world conceived on a canine level, interpreted with intelligent humour and human interest by his affectionate owner" (Iain Finlayson Saga Magazine)

"A thoroughly enjoyable ramble through a diverse selection of topics which range from dogs of war and dog fighting to presidential pets and choosing the right name... In turn serious, funny, sad and light-hearted; it's a perfect mixture which is just right for the bedside table" (Karen Bush Your Dog)