The Book of Beasts

A modern bestiary with an ancient heart: meet twelve emblematic animals and restore your relationship with the natural world, from the editor of Cunning Folk. The bear deities, Artio and Artaius, who’ll rise from sleep; the salmon of wisdom who gifts understanding of the universe’s past, present and future; the Lion Man carved 40,000 years ago. Join Elizabeth Sulis Kim as she travels across the globe and through time, from our deep past into the future, bringing together the animals which have captivated us for millennia. Steeped in folklore, mythology, magic and religion, The Book of Beasts tells the story of our shapeshifting relationships with animals, from reverence to persecution, friendship to fear, awe to indifference. It asks us what we actually know about the creatures we share this world with – and offers us a different way of living together. 'Folklore, myth and magic collide beautifully' EDWARD PARNELL, author of Ghostland 'Beautifully written' RONALD HUTTON, author of The Witch 'Immersive, enchanting and exquisitely written' KRISTEN J. SOLLEE, author of Cat Call ' Powerful and beautifully written' MELANIE JOY, author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows © Elizabeth Sulis Kim 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026