Vegetarianism and Veganism in Literature from the Ancients to the Twenty-First Century re-assesses both canonical and less well-known literary texts to illuminate how vegetarianism and veganism can be understood as literary phenomena, as well as dietary and cultural practices. It offers a broad historical span ranging from ancient thinkers and writers, such as Pythagoras and Ovid, to contemporary novelists, including Ruth L. Ozeki and Jonathan Franzen. The expansive historical scope is complemented by a cross-cultural focus which emphasises that the philosophy behind these diets has developed through a dialogic relationship between east and west. The book demonstrates, also, the way in which carnivorism has functioned as an ideology, one which has underpinned actions harmful to both human and non-human animals.

Towards a Vegan Jurisprudence: The Need for a Reorientation of Human Rightsargues that, in order to give effect to animal rights, human society is obliged to question the extent to which our social norms permit us to manifest compassionate justice to other animals. Jeanette Rowley posits a new perspective on the theory and practice of human rights to accommodate the demands of vegans for rights for nonhuman animals, recognizing the existing argument that the idea grounding human rights is our ethical responsibility to the precarious, mortal other. Rowley develops this principle to ground the rights claims of vegans in the ethics of alterity, applying the concept to nonhuman others to ground the protection of other animals and provide a new approach to human rights litigation to accommodate vegans, calling for the reconceptualization of the very idea of human rights.

"This book traces the development of vegetarianism through literature. Its historical span ranges from ancient thinkers, such as Pythagoras and Ovid, to contemporary writers, including Ruth L. Ozeki and Jonathan Franzen. Its broad historical range is complemented by a cross-cultural focus which emphasises the connections between east and west"--

‘Armed with yoga, stand and fight’ In this startlingly original book, Braja Sorensen combines the teachings of Sri Krishna and the sage Patanjali to emphasize the real purpose of yoga: it is a way of life, and its goal is the union with the Divine. It is yoga, through progressive stages of inner growth, that Krishna is actually teaching Arjuna on the battlefield as he addresses the prince’s fears, doubts and dilemmas. And the questions that Arjuna asks Krishna are as relevant and pressing for the modern reader as they were centuries ago: Why am I suffering? How do I find peace within? How do I comprehend the difference between right and wrong? Who am I, and how do I understand myself? What is the purpose of life? Braja Sorensen presents a lucid analysis of the multiple meanings of the word ‘yoga’ that Krishna teaches in the Bhagavad Gita, for its every verse is about yoga. The yogic journey is a process of training and refining the mind, senses and emotions, until the very consciousness is altered and ready to meet the Divine. Patanjali, meanwhile, explains the link between the body, mind and soul, and how the practice of yoga affects each. Living the Bhagavad Gita brings to you the life-changing qualities that Krishna taught, and shows you how the Bhagavad Gita is the finest guide to understanding life, love and relationships, the body, mind and senses, and the nature of the soul.

The world's most comprehensive, well documented, and well illustrated book on this subject. With extensive subject and geographic index. 48 photographs and illustrations - mostly color. Free of charge in digital PDF format.

This detailed and comprehensive overview of meat-free diets introduces readers to their long history in human cultures and analyzes some of the important questions and issues surrounding their practice in today's world. Vegetarianism and Veganism: A Reference Handbook provides a history and background of vegetarianism and veganism from prehistorical times to the present day, along with detailed discussions of the practice in each historical period since that time. The ancillary chapters provide additional information on important individuals and organizations in the field, relevant data and documents on the topic, an annotated bibliography, a chronology of important events, and a glossary of terms likely to be encountered in the field. Of special interest is the Perspectives chapter, in which stakeholders in the topic write about some specific aspect of its importance in their own lives. Intended for high school, college, an general readers, the volume covers the field of vegetarianism and veganism in cultures from around the world. Some specific topics include ancient views of vegetarianism, religious stands on the practice, the growth of vegetarian and vegan institutions, and current controversies over the practice of meat-free diets. It also includes a host of resources that readers can use to continue their own research in the field.

The world's most comprehensive, well documented, and well illustrated book on this subject. With extensive subject and geographic index. 109 photographs and illustrations - some color. Free of charge in digital PDF format.

The world's most comprehensive, well documented, and well illustrated book on this subject. With extensive subject and geographical index. 30 photographs and illustrations - mostly color. Free of charge in digital PDF format.