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Pit Bull

The Battle over an American Icon

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Pit Bull

Written by: Bronwen Dickey
Narrated by: Randye Kaye
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About this listen

When Bronwen Dickey brought her new dog home, she saw no traces of the infamous viciousness in her affectionate, timid pit bull. Which made her wonder: How had the breed - beloved by Teddy Roosevelt, Helen Keller, and TV's Little Rascals - come to be known as a brutal fighter? Her search for answers takes her from 19th-century New York City dogfighting pits - the cruelty of which drew the attention of the recently formed ASPCA - to early 20th-century movie sets where pit bulls cavorted with Fatty Arbuckle and Buster Keaton; from the battlefields of Gettysburg and the Marne, where pit bulls earned presidential recognition, to desolate urban neighborhoods where the dogs were loved, prized, and brutalized.

Whether through love or fear, hatred or devotion, humans are bound to the history of the pit bull. With unfailing thoughtfulness and compassion and a firm grasp of scientific fact, Dickey offers us a clear-eyed portrait of this extraordinary breed and an insightful view of Americans' relationships with their dogs.

©2016 Bronwen Dickey (P)2016 Tantor Americas Biological Sciences Pet & Animal Care Popular Culture Science Social Sciences United States

What the critics say

"This [is] exceptional, thoroughly researched, and expertly written work." ( Library Journal)
All stars
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very informative learned alot on in this book on the topic of pitbulls and their history

good read

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This book is the most perfect blend of factual information and storybook anecdotes. It took me on such a journey that I cried at the end, although this is not a tear jerking book.
The author touches on every aspect of the pit bull history in a clear and compelling light. I would give anything to read this book for the first time again.

Investigative and heartwarming

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