An endearing, affectionate portrayal of “man's best friend,” these pages offer dog lovers a captivating collection of canine-inspired artwork created through the centuries. Looking across art history at exceptional paintings, drawings, and sculptures from around the world, the book shows our four-legged friends and faithful companions at work, at play, and at rest. The great variety of breeds depicted ranges from the pedigreed prince to the homely mutt, yellow-fanged wolf to pampered lap-dog, mega-sized Saint Bernard to micro-Chihuahua, heroic hound to whimpering cur. Excerpts of relevant prose and poetry are included, chronicling the infinite facets of doghood. One example: “The more I see of men, the more I admire dogs,” declared Madame de SÉvignÉ. Those who agree that the seventeenth-century writer and wit had a good point will surely enjoy this loving tribute to a dog’s life in art and literature.