Hedgehog

Hedgehog is a natural and cultural history of the animal, from the Romans who regarded it as a weather prophet, to Sonic the Hedgehog and children’s books today. The hedgehog has had a close connection with people since the dawn of civilization, and has been an animal of fascination, endearment and cultural significance since the ancient Egyptians. The Romans regarded it as a weather prophet, and modern gardeners depend on the creature to keep their gardens free of pests. Hedgehog explores how this and other characteristics of the small creature have propelled it to the top of a number of polls of people’s favourite animals. It remains one of the few creatures that people can get close to without the fear of an attack, or it running away at the slightest movement. Hedgehog demonstrates that there is much to admire about this beautiful, and now threatened, icon of wildlife.