Let's set the scene. It's 1849. The California Gold Rush is starting, and America is stretching west. In this world, a publisher named Rufus Merrill releases a book simply called Book about Animals. It’s not a novel. It’s a collection, an attempt to catalog the beasts of North America for a curious public.

The Story

There isn't a plot in the traditional sense. Think of it more as a journey. Merrill acts as your guide, taking you from the common animals of New England—the squirrels, deer, and foxes—to the more exotic creatures reported from the frontier: grizzly bears, bison herds, and mysterious big cats. He describes their looks, their habits, and their habitats. But the "story" here is the process of discovery itself. You can feel the excitement and sometimes the guesswork. Is that description of a wolf's cunning based on fact, or frontier legend? The book is a product of its time, mixing careful observation with the limited science and abundant folklore of the era.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a double feature. First, it's a genuine look at American wildlife from 175 years ago. It makes you appreciate what people knew and what they were still figuring out. Second, and more personally, it's a quiet portrait of dedication. Rufus Merrill wasn't a famous naturalist; he was a publisher who cared enough to compile this knowledge. Reading it feels intimate, like you've found someone's carefully kept journal. You get his sense of wonder, and sometimes his confusion. It’s not flashy, but it’s honest. It reminds you that every field guide and nature documentary we have today started with someone like Merrill, sitting down and trying to make sense of the wild world outside their door.

Final Verdict

This is a niche read, but a wonderful one. It's perfect for history buffs who enjoy primary sources, for nature lovers curious about historical perspectives, or for anyone who likes to browse old books and get lost in another time. Don't go in expecting a modern, fact-checked zoology textbook. Go in expecting a conversation with the past. You'll come away with a new appreciation for both the animals and the man who tried to introduce them to the world.