Mercy
The Incredible Story of Henry Bergh, Founder of the ASPCA and Friend to Animals
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
19th century animal rights pioneer Henry Bergh comes to life in this illustrated biography for young readers.
Henry Bergh didn’t seem like the kind of man who would speak up for animals. He’d never even had a pet before. But after witnessing horrific animal cruelty in the streets of New York and attending a bullfight in Spain, Bergh knew animals needed a champion to protect them. In the 1860s, Henry Bergh started the ASPCA and advocated for many animal cruelty prevention laws. Bergh worked hard to protect animals across the country, insisting that “mercy to animals means mercy to mankind.”
This biography aimed at young readers includes color illustrations and period photographs as well as a timeline, bibliography, and other resources. "Well-documented, with sidebars on [Louisa May] Alcott, [Charles] Darwin, public health, child labor, and more, Furstinger's lively narrative fills a void" (Kirkus).
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
From a dramatic opening involving a dogfight through the final chapter detailing the current efforts of the ASPCA, this well-researched biography of the organization's founder, Henry Bergh (1813 1888), contains abundant information illustrating the evolution in attitudes about the treatment of animals. Through vignettes highlighting a range of animals horses, dogs, sea turtles, cows, pigeons, circus elephants Furstinger (The Forgotten Rabbit) demonstrates the scope of Bergh's anti-cruelty efforts. A wealthy gentleman and failed playwright, Bergh found his voice as an animal protector in the 1860s, an era when "the belief that animals should be treated humanely was a revolutionary concept." Despite ridicule from the press and Bergh's own contradictory practices he wore fur, ate meat, and never had a pet he remained zealous in his crusade. Diverting detours to discuss the press, Charles Darwin, public health, the history of the circus, child labor laws, euthanasia, and other topics provide contextual background. Dejardins's understated color illustrations frankly depict the abuse of animals without being overly grisly, and period photographs, a time line, bibliography, and other resources are also included. Ages 10 12.
