Mercy: The Incredible Story of Henry Bergh, Founder of the ASPCA and Friend to Animals

From a dramatic opening involving a dogfight through the final chapter detailing the current efforts of the ASPCA, this well-researched biography of the organization’s founder, Henry Bergh (1813–1888), contains abundant information illustrating the evolution in attitudes about the treatment of animals. Through vignettes highlighting a range of animals—horses, dogs, sea turtles, cows, pigeons, circus elephants—Furstinger (The Forgotten Rabbit) demonstrates the scope of Bergh’s anti-cruelty efforts. A wealthy gentleman and failed playwright, Bergh found his voice as an animal protector in the 1860s, an era when “the belief that animals should be treated humanely was a revolutionary concept.” Despite ridicule from the press and Bergh’s own contradictory practices—he wore fur, ate meat, and never had a pet—he remained zealous in his crusade. Diverting detours to discuss the press, Charles Darwin, public health, the history of the circus, child labor laws, euthanasia, and other topics provide contextual background. Dejardins’s understated color illustrations frankly depict the abuse of animals without being overly grisly, and period photographs, a time line, bibliography, and other resources are also included. Ages 10–12. Author’s agent: John Rudolph, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (Apr.)