By developing a deeper understanding of animal behavior, Nance asserts, we can more fully explain the common history of all species. As sentient beings, these elephants exercised agency, but they had no way of understanding the human cultures that created their captivity, and they obviously had no claim on (human) social and political power.
By developing a deeper understanding of animal behavior, Nance asserts, we can more fully explain the common history of all species. As sentient beings, these elephants exercised agency, but they had no way of understanding the human cultures that created their captivity, and they obviously had no claim on (human) social and political power.
“Entertaining Elephants: Animal Agency and the Business of the American Circus” by Susan Nance is a comprehensive textbook exploring the intersection of animals, circus, economic history, and animal rights in the United States during the 19th century. Published by Johns Hopkins University Press in 2013, this hardcover book delves into the fascinating world of elephant training and performance in the context of the American circus. With 294 pages, this thought-provoking work offers valuable insights into the history and culture surrounding these iconic animals.