Abstract

Solitary, nocturnal creatures, skunks generally go about their business unnoticed. But then there’s that thing they do . . . and oh, boy, when they do it, no one can ignore them.   
           
But there’s far more to skunks than their stench, and with this beautifully illustrated entry in Reaktion’s Animal series, Alyce Miller gives these furry scavengers their due. More than being unappreciated, skunks, Miller reveals, have a long history of persecution: killed off as smelly nuisances, they have also been hunted for their fur and, yes, their unique musk, which has found a perhaps unexpected use in perfume. Moving from nature to culture, Miller delves into the long line of skunks that have played parts in literature, film, and folklore, from the antics of Pepe Le Pew to the role of skunks in Native American spiritual beliefs. As growing urban wildlife populations bring humans and skunks ever closer, Miller’s book will help us understand—and appreciate—these beautiful, intriguing, and wholly distinct animals.

“Skunk is an outstanding book that I couldn’t put down once I began reading it. And, I found myself going back to it time and time again because there are so many things about these black-and-white stinky beings about which I was thoroughly ignorant. I hope Miller’s wonderful book enjoys wide readership because not only are skunks fascinating animals, but they also teach us important lessons about the necessity for humane and peaceful coexistence with the animals with whom we share time and space and even our homes.” — Marc Bekoff, author of Rewilding our Hearts
Alyce Miller is professor of English at Indiana University and the author of a number of books.