The Natural History of Unicorns

Have you ever wondered about unicorn history and where the unicorn myth started in the first place? The Natural History of Unicorns by Chris Lavers is a book, that takes you all the way to the beginning of the unicorn myth.

This non-fiction book is one that all unicorn fans should read.

Chris Lavers is an author, a natural historian, and a professor of Ecology and Geography at the University of Nottingham. He is the author of the book Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears (2000). It is a non-fiction book, in which Lavers reflects on why the different animals on Earth are like they are, and why they act as they act.

In The Natural History of Unicorns Lavers continues with the same approach, but now he is dealing with a mythical creature, a unicorn. How does Lavers manage to mix science and mythology?

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The Natural History of Unicorns – Mixing Science and Mythology

For most of history, humans believed unicorns existed. In the early 20th century, scientists concluded that unicorns are just a myth. In his book The Natural History of Unicorns, Lavers approaches unicorns as if they were real animals. He takes the reader on a scientific expedition, tracing the unicorn’s ancestors as far as possible.

Lavers starts the exploration in Ancient Greece. Ctesias introduced a mythical “one-horned wild ass”, which is often regarded as the beginning of the unicorn myth in Europe.

The journey continues, as Lavers discusses how the unicorn myth appeared in Christianity and early Muslim culture. Narwhals and their part in the history of unicorns are not left out either.

As we reach Africa, Lavers takes us to unknown waters. Is the mysterious African unicorn the ancestor of the unicorn?

Lavers’s Book Is Like a Good Thriller.

As I read The Natural History of Unicorns, I was hooked from the beginning. Even though this is a non-fiction book, it progresses like a good thriller.

Lavers reveals more and more about the origin of the unicorn myth, always leaving some mystery to be revealed in the next chapter. This leaves the reader asking for more.

While you could call The Natural History of Unicorns a popular science book, it is not light reading. It is still very “scientific”, and Lavers analyzes his topic very thoroughly.

The Natural History of Unicorns is NOT a children’s book. It is too complex for children, and some historical events mentioned in the book are quite brutal.

Lavers’s book is great for grown-ups, who want to read a deep exploration about the origin of the unicorn myth. Even if you already know a lot about unicorns, The Natural History of Unicorns will teach you something new for sure. If you really want to know what is behind the myth, you will want to read this book all the way to the end.

Does Lavers Reveal the Secret of the Unicorns?

So, what is the conclusion of the book? Does Lavers reveal the secret of the unicorns?

When it comes to an ancient myth such as the unicorn myth, there is rarely just one answer. Lavers does give the reader answers, though. It is likely, that you will learn some astonishing facts about the unicorns in this book. I certainly did.

Who Should Read The Natural History of Unicorns?

The Natural History of Unicorns by Chris Lavers is an essential addition to your unicorn library if you want to know all about the origin of the unicorn myth. It is hard to find another book that explores the origin of unicorns as thoroughly as Lavers’s writing.

I would not recommend this book for children, but grown-up unicorn fans will find this book fascinating. While The Natural History of Unicorns is not light reading, but you don’t need to be a scientist to be able to read and enjoy Lavers’s work.

If you have already read The Natural History of Unicorns by Chris Lavers, please let me know what you think of this book.