It does not belong to us alone.
-- Helen Macdonald (Introduction)

Importance: In the introduction to the collection, the author discusses her inspiration behind writing the enclosed essays. As a historian and naturalist, Macdonald wants her literary works to accomplish what scientific works aspire to: teaching the reader a reverence for the complexity of the natural world. Rather than regarding nature as a thing to be controlled, ignored, or destroyed, Macdonald wants to reveal the beauty of the environment, and the importance of respecting it as a habitat for innumerable creatures' lives. This line introduces one of Macdonald's key thematic interests.

But there is always, always a gap.
-- Helen Macdonald (Nothing Like a Pig)

Importance: After seeing a boar for the first time, Macdonald begins to reflect upon the frequency with which human minds regard animals as mere symbols or emblems. While she cannot help but think of those ancient tales in which the boar features heavily, Macdonald realizes the real animal...