Guinea pigs are a popular pet, a cute but dim friend for those who seek an alternative to dogs and cats. They are increasingly bred for looks, shaped by humans to a so-called ideal appearance. But it was guinea pigs that shaped humans from as early as 5000 BC, when their domestication began a long and fruitful relationship, influencing scientists such as William Harvey, and painters from Jan Brueghel to Beatrix Potter. Guinea pigs have been the center of countless works of art and literature, inspiring children and adults in addition to their utility as pets. Dorothy Yamamoto s "Guinea Pig" is the first of its kind to take an in-depth look at the storied history of guinea pig and human interaction. The author reveals the history and personality of an animal that is not often given much attention beyond its cute and cuddly nature, giving the guinea pig a historical voice that has been much-overlooked."
