The Book of Clever Beasts: Studies in Unnatural History

"The Book of Clever Beasts: Studies in Unnatural History" by Myrtle Reed is a collection of imaginative tales featuring anthropomorphized animals, likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative is framed through the eyes of a naturalist who documents his observations of various woodland creatures and their interactions with humans, drawing attention to their unique behaviors and emotional lives. The book opens with the tale of Mr. Johnson-Sitdown, a telegraph operator who retreats to a cabin in the woods to recuperate and encounters a field mouse named Little Upsidaisi, setting the stage for a series of whimsical and poignant animal studies. At the start of the story, the protagonist heeds his doctor’s advice to escape the chaos of city life and seeks peace in his grandparent's cabin in the woods, accompanied by his beloved cat, Tom-Tom. Once settled, he eagerly examines the surrounding nature, hoping to document the local wildlife. His encounter with Little Upsidaisi introduces themes of friendship, vulnerability, and the intricate dynamics between humans and animals, culminating in a tragic turn that showcases the often harsh realities of wilderness life. The whimsical yet bittersweet tone establishes a thoughtful exploration of both the natural world and the relationships that emerge within it. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Myrtle Reed was an American author, poet, journalist, and philanthropist. She wrote a number of bestsellers and even published a series of cookbooks under the pseudonym Olive Green.