A love letter to the animal kingdom, calling for animals to be reclassified by tradition and mythology. From Aesops Fables to Mockingjay, animals have always played a pivotal role in human culture. In this fun and thought-provoking book, historian and animal enthusiast Boria Sax argues for a classification of animals that goes beyond the biological to encompass a more meaningful distinction: tradition. From ants and elephants to tigers and tortoises, The Mythical Zoo weaves together a cross-cultural tapestry encompassing mythology, history, art, science, philosophy and literature. The result is a beautifully illustrated, masterfully composed love letter to the animal kingdom.