I have become enamored of Diski's hard-headed scepticism and wry critiques of her own biases. Her title says a lot about both, and this book takes both an empirical and philosophical look at animals and what we know about them. Along the way, she consults philosophers from Descartes to Derrida (not forgetting Diski) and scientists, as well as pop culture icons. I finished this book with much to think about and more to marvel at. ( )