Heal the Beasts

A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts

Published by ECW Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

Heal the Beasts chronicles the history of veterinary medicine with an abundance of bizarre, funny, surprising, and heartwarming anecdotes

“Schott’s animated account moves at a fast clip, is full of colorful anecdotes, and will delight animal lovers of all stripes.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

Sharing the stories of 22 different animal healers and veterinarians from across eras and continents, Dr. Schott examines the always fascinating, often unexpected, and sometimes hilarious veterinary methods employed to treat all manner of creatures. From healing dogs and horses to gorillas and even dragons, at the heart lies the evolution of the human-animal bond, which has been more cyclical than linear.

James Herriot will be familiar to many people, but most of the other featured vets will be new. They range from Palakapya, who treated fighting elephants in India almost 3,000 years ago, to Dr. Louis Camuti, who had the first feline house call practice anywhere, tending to the cats of celebrities in mid-twentieth century Manhattan Whether you have a passion for animals, the history of the medical sciences, or just quirky history, this light-hearted exploration of the empathetic relationship between man and beast will entertain and delight.

About The Author

Product Details

  • Publisher: ECW Press (August 25, 2025)
  • Length: 232 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781770417830

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Raves and Reviews

“Schott's animated account moves at a fast clip, is full of colorful anecdotes, and will delight animal lovers of all stripes.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A concise and nonintimidating veterinary history book suitable for lovers of all animal species.” — Library Journal

“Would you believe Canada's answer to James Herriot? Honestly, when was the last time you encountered an expert in treating sick or injured animals who could make words sing and dance? Winnipeg-based Philipp Schott is the real thing: a professional veterinarian who knows how to tell a story — how to meld anecdote, history, and personal voice into prancing entertainment. Heal the Beasts is a winner!” — Ken McGoogan, author of Searching for Franklin and Shadows of Tyranny

Heal the Beasts is written with a generous dose of witty humour, which renders Schott’s writing both personable and enjoyable. Though he is quick to acknowledge he is not a historian by trade, Schott conveys a depth of knowledge when it comes to veterinary practices through the ages. Readers interested in the veterinary profession, historical nonfiction, or animals in general should find Heal the Beasts entertaining and informative.” — The Seaboard Review

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