Fur: a sensitive history

Fur: A Sensitive History is the first broad socio-cultural history of fur that encompasses not only fur’s fashionable history but also its economic, psychological, and artistic importance. Due to fur’s current controversial status, not only are there no authoritative and, most importantly, unbiased accounts of this historically important subject, but its rich and complex history is in danger of being forgotten amidst the increasingly polarized arguments of the pro and anti fur lobbies. Fur has built nations; inspired great works of art and literature, has led to the near destruction of certain species and has signalled status, glamour and power. This is the first book to try and understand this most supremely tactile, and sensitive of subjects, that has been a source of inspiration for Western fashion since the Middle Ages. In this book our attraction to, and indeed rejection of fur is understood by comparing animal and human hair. The history of the anti-fur movement is traced back to early human and animal rights organisations, a fascinating early history that has been overshadowed by the activities of more recent anti-fur protests. Fur’s centrality to the social and economic regulation of western society is discussed, as is the demand for fur, which has driven colonial exploration and exploitations in search of fur, especially through the North American and Canadian fur trades. Fur’s transformative properties are considered via its presence in myth, literature and film, whilst its tactile and visual stimuli are understood by considering fur’s erotic appeal. Combining high art and popular culture with a visual account consisting of many never before seen images the book reveals, without advocating its use, fur’s importance to global history and culture.