Publication of the book “Animalário - um bestiário lusitano”

This book is a distant relative of medieval bestiaries. In 400 pages, with prose filled with literary references, it follows different animal species from A to Z.

This book, a distant relative of medieval bestiaries, written along 400 pages, in prose filled with literary references, following from A to Z, presents the different animal species of Portugal, evoking, in an ironic way, the interaction of man with them. Most of the time talking about man...

"To digress on other animals based on our so-celebrated 'rationality' is quite something. Therefore, look with suspicion at what is said here, not losing sight of the fact that a quick meditation before a cage of monkeys is an indispensable complement to this reading." (from the book's introduction)

Excerpts from the book:
"hoof it
When half of rural Portugal traveled barefoot, hundreds of calves went to the great fair of Pico dos Regalados in Vila Verde wearing rough leather shoes to avoid breaking their hooves!"

"civilization
It is forbidden to beat animals or push them by pressing on sensitive parts of the body. It is specifically forbidden to crush, twist or break the tail of animals or grab them by the eyes. Brutal blows are prohibited, particularly kicks.” And the shame of having to legislate on this matter?"

"Fox
'Vulpes (foxes), as they are called,' wrote Saint Isidore of Seville, 'as if one were saying volupes, with fickle feet; it's an animal that never follows a straight path, it walks tortuously, it's fraudulent and full of deceit; when it has nothing to eat, it fakes death, thus attracting birds that perch on it and, rising suddenly, devours them.' [Saint Isidore of Seville, Etymologies, Editorial Católica, Madrid, 1951] A clever, cunning, playful, greedy creature…"

The book will be printed in 142x215mm format, with a soft cover and flaps, printed in color and gold; and the text block printed in black on 90g coralbook paper, glued to the spine.

About the author

Pedro Castro Henriques

An anthropologist by training (Paris), he pursued his professional career at the National Service for Parks, Reserves and Landscape Heritage/Institute for Nature Conservation, writing texts for books, exhibitions, brochures, leaflets, and making presentations at congresses, colloquia and lectures.

With several titles published by various publishers, in the areas of environment and literature, he has now decided to venture into self-publishing with this original work born from his attentive eye and critical spirit, and as a result of incessant reading.

Pedro Castro Henriques has maintained a daily blog since 2025:
www.textos-em-saldo.blogspot.com

autor_Pedro Castro Henriques

Budget and due dates

Production costs: €2000
Presentation costs: €500

Calendar: Fundraising ends in May 2026. Launch in June 2026, date and venue to be announced.

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