Review: The History of the World in Fifty Dogs by Mackenzie Lee

An illustrated collection of stories about dogs that knew how to sit, stay, and witness history

Most dog lovers know Fido and Laika, but how about Martha, Paul McCartney's Old English Sheepdog? Or Peritas, Alexander the Great’s trusted canine companion? As long as there have been humans, those humans have had beloved companions—their dogs. From the ancient Egyptians mummifying their pups, to the Indian legend of the king who refused to enter the afterlife unless his dog was allowed there too, to the modern meme and popularity of terms like the corgi sploot, humans are undeniably obsessed with their dogs. Told in short, illustrated essays that are interspersed with both historical and canine factoids, The History of the World in Fifty Dogs brings to life some of history’s most memorable moments through the stories of the dogs that saw them happen. ~ Goodreads

Review: I grabbed this fun little book on my way to the register at the bookstore for my annual Dog Days of Summer reading challenge hosted by La La in the Library.

The book tells the stories of 52 dogs throughout history. There's a really good range starting with Egypt - Bark Like an Egyptian: Abuwtiyuw, History's First Recorded Dog with a Name and ending with Furgin Rebirth - How Snuppy Became the World's First Cloned Dog. There are dogs of war, dogs of royalty, therapy dogs and more.

Each story is told in historical context, occasionally with more emphasis on the historical moment than the dog, but still a very quick summary of events and a dogs part in them. Many chapters have a "sidebark" - footnotes section with additional relevant tidbits and each story has an illustration by Petra Eriksson of the dog featured. (in the style of the cover art)

All the profiles are quick 2-3 pages and told in a light (but honest about the time period - which occasionally got dark) slightly snarky tone. Lee relies a lot on pop culture/meme style language to appeal to a younger audience and that might annoy you or you can just roll with it.

An example: "Good bois were all over Egypt - it's unde-Nile-able. *shows self out*

Honestly, it could get a little grating but it's such a fast read, filled with great trivia about dogs that it didn't bother me.

This book would make a great stocking stuffer for a dog lover or coffee table book where you pick it up here & there.

*Bloggers formatting is being super wonky so sorry if this looks weird on whatever you are reading... GRRR