What does Jenny Diski know about animals? She's really not sure. She remembers the animal books she read in her childhood; the cartoons she watched; the meals she ate; the strays she found; the animals who have lived and still live with her. She examines human beings, too, and the way in which we have looked at, studied, treated and written about the non-human creatures with whom we share the planet.

Subtle, intelligent and brilliantly observed, What I Don't Know About Animals is an engaging look at what it means to be human - and what it means to be animal.

'A socio-philosophical investigation of immense skill, erudition and subtlety . . . The deep allure of Diski's writing is its combination of dry wit, rapier thinking [and] a disarmingly engaging conversational tone . . . A wonderful and necessary read, sparkling, funny and warm' Ruth Padel, Guardian

'Diski writes with clarity and insight, weaving together an impressive rage of philosophic, scientific and literary material' Tim Souster, Financial Times

'Diski takes a writer's finess and a reporter's curiosity on her journey of discovery through the animal kingdom' i (Independent)