Crusade for Kindness: Henry Bergh and the ASPCA
Grade 5-8-- A book that is both a biography and a social history. New York of the 1800s is vividly described: the horrific abuses of work animals, the unsanitary conditions of slaughterhouses and dairies, and the cruel notions of sport, none of which were examined until wealthy Henry Bergh founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals. His campaign evoked ridicule and hostility, so he was well covered in the newspapers of his day. Therefore, there are many direct quotations from and about him. Bergh's role in extending to children the rights he had gained for animals is included, as is a chapter outlining today's debate on animal rights. Although clearly an admirer of Bergh and the ASPCA, Loeper discusses his flaws, peculiarities, and foibles. A chapter in which P. T. Barnum outwitted him is particularly amusing. While animal rights is a hot topic, much of the available material on Bergh is dated or written for adults. Loeper skillfully and seamlessly packs much informative detail into this fine volume.-Cindy Darling Codell, Belmont Junior High School, Winchester, KYCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.