Amazon comMixing mythology and natural history, Stephen Alter lets readers share his lifelong love for the Indian elephant, Elephas maximus While legends threaten to overwhelm facts in the tale, Alter has nonetheless presented an accurate portrait of his subject, true to centuries of Indian tradition Beyond metaphors and fables, elephants ожэяь occupy an important place in Sanskrit literature Gajashastra, or "elephant science," was studied and recorded in several texts that are based on oral traditions As much travelogue as science book, Elephas inextricably links the Indian elephant with the history of southern Asia itself In pre-colonial India, elephants were wound up in religion and daily life; in modern times, the animals were first hunted then fetishized by Westerners Alter reserves judgment on these issues, except to note that none of India's 20th-century history has been good for elephant populations, which are endangered or threatened nearly everywhere He treks into parks and reserves, seeking out wild elephants and describing their awe-inspiring behaviors The stories he uncovers along the way--of temple elephants, mysterious Elephanta Island, seagoing elephants, and the god Ganesha--weave a spellbinding tale --Therese LittletonBook Description Revered in Indian religion and culture, coveted for its ivory tusks, the majestic Asian elephant has captured the fascination of humans for more than four thousand years In an effort to shed light on this regal animal and its unique relationship with humankind, author Stephen Alter traveled around the world to explore its natural home and its place in history and myth Alter's search takes him from the depths of wildlife preserves, to a tempting elephant auction, to a dazzling festival dedicated to Ganesha the elephant-headed god Elephas maximus is as important to modern India as it was centuries ago Yet conservationists are fighting to preserve its endangered habitatas settlements expand, and ivory poaching has threatened generations of elephants until tuskless males may be all that survive Charting the elephant in history, art, religion, and folklore, Alter draws a vivid, gorgeously written portrait of its past and its troubled present while offering hope for its future.  Щетка-утюжок2004 г 336 стр ISBN 0151006466.