In this inspired book, Daniel Heath Justice provides the first global cultural history of the badger in over thirty years. From the iconic European badger and its North American kin to the African honey badger and Southeast Asian hog badger, Justice considers the badger's evolution and widespread distribution alongside its current, often-imperiled status throughout the world. He travels from natural history and life in the wild to the folklore, legends and spiritual beliefs that badgers continue to inspire, while also exploring their representation and exploitation in industry, religion and the arts. (From University of Chicago Press)