Author(s): Kathryn Dun

Rural

For those in the know, sheep are the stars of the huge annual agricultural shows, as they parade their polished hooves and oiled horns. Swathed in fleeces expertly trimmed and coiffured to accentuate their finer points, "Beautiful Sheep" is a testament that skillful shepherds can create unique and living works of art. There are a great many breeds of sheep, that for centuries provided income from their wool--thus today's versions are able to produce long heavy fleeces. Likewise, those sheep used primarily for their meat were bred and developed to graze the harsh upland and hill territories well-suited for those climates. All of these breeds are showcased, as never before, in the pages of this collector's item. No longer will the gentle ovine be reduced to catch phrases about "the black sheep of the family" or "the wolf in the sheep's clothing"--but now can be appreciated and admired as stunning creatures. A beautiful pictorial of sheep--arranged by breed, with geographical and historical information to complement the images--immaculately presented as stars of the catwalk, the best of the show. The result is an unusual and totally charming book.