Book excerpt: Explores the long and varied history of the dog in human cultures across the world and celebrates the very special place that this enigmatic creature holds in our hearts In The Spirit of the Dog, animal expert Tamsin Pickeral and award-winning photographer Astrid Harrisson come together to celebrate the beauty and diversity of this magnificent animal. Discover the vital role that dogs have played throughout history; trace the development of the most striking and significant breeds; and learn, too, the intriguing tales of breeds that have almost been forgotten. Uniquely and sumptuously illustrated with Harrisson's sensitive and striking photography alongside other carefully chosen works of art from around the globe, this book reveals the full, fascinating story of dogs through the ages and their special relationship with humankind. In the world which we know, among the different and primitive geniuses that preside over the evolution of the several species, there exists not one, excepting that of the dog, that ever gave a thought to the presence of man. -- Maurice Maeterlinck