Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
Buy new:
-37% $17.02
FREE delivery Sunday, January 19 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: UBERTY.LLC
$17.02 with 37 percent savings
List Price: $27.00
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Sunday, January 19 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$17.02 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$17.02
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$8.88
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may be missing bundled media. All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may be missing bundled media. See less
FREE delivery Friday, January 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 22 hrs 33 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$17.02 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$17.02
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Personalities on the Plate: The Lives and Minds of Animals We Eat Hardcover – March 15, 2017

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 47 ratings

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$17.02","priceAmount":17.02,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"17","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"02","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"VK4sJYfwYSPL2NX860rnwdQfj9XEjztJhPC6RE8LuuSd3ZBU91aXOS1nSzyOzEUZOeJTMY7%2BaHUfncsaXPY7EGPstzZRgxOAIjVloILdYLlzsXR%2BcOClcl8mIZJH7jz1UF4oIrTK74OijkCo2o44RRWGG5Z0EIr31dZ%2FdUzseMy3%2FC0EtJ6O9wXWKOOo24wj","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$8.88","priceAmount":8.88,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"88","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"VK4sJYfwYSPL2NX860rnwdQfj9XEjztJiS0Ey9Gx8WXcEMi%2FYc7xKZHa9tgmL31UbnPzkgelYotILWc9eOPWMbqI9wSFZSRl9JuOKSLHuqJnfnEmSAgkMIgQvJbt7YYR%2FZlOU4X3P9GKTC%2BnkDLNnNQCqp%2F0mO9AI7w%2F%2F9IAAQIu0tlLw1TFkA%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

In recent years, scientific advances in our understanding of animal minds have led to major changes in how we think about, and treat, animals in zoos and aquariums. The general public, it seems, is slowly coming to understand that animals like apes, elephants, and dolphins have not just brains, but complicated inner and social lives, and that we need to act accordingly.
 
Yet that realization hasn’t yet made its presence felt to any great degree in our most intimate relationship with animals: at the dinner table. Sure, there are vegetarians and vegans all over, but at the same time, meat consumption is up, and meat remains a central part of the culinary and dining experience for the majority of people in the developed world.
 
With
Personalities on the Plate, Barbara King asks us to think hard about our meat eating--and how we might reduce it. But this isn’t a polemic intended to convert readers to veganism. What she is interested in is why we’ve not drawn food animals into our concern and just what we do know about the minds and lives of chickens, cows, octopuses, fish, and more. Rooted in the latest science, and built on a mix of firsthand experience (including entomophagy, which, yes, is what you think it is) and close engagement with the work of scientists, farmers, vets, and chefs, Personalities on the Plate is an unforgettable journey through the world of animals we eat. Knowing what we know--and what we may yet learn--what is the proper ethical stance toward eating meat? What are the consequences for the planet? How can we life an ethically and ecologically sound life through our food choices?
 
We could have no better guide to these fascinatingly thorny questions than King, whose deep empathy embraces human and animal alike. Readers will be moved, provoked, and changed by this powerful book.
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

This item: Personalities on the Plate: The Lives and Minds of Animals We Eat
$17.02
Get it as soon as Sunday, Jan 19
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by UBERTY.LLC and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
$21.60
Get it as soon as Friday, Jan 17
Only 2 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
One of these items ships sooner than the other.
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Into this overheated grudge match steps a voice of reason: a retired college professor with a fondness for animal videos on YouTube and a child's sense of wonder about the natural world. . . . Much of Personalities on the Plate reads like a fascinating zoological primer, exploring the social and emotional intelligence of animals. . . . It is not anthropomorphism, Ms. King convincingly argues, to describe animals’ emotional experiences with accuracy and precision. 'The animals we have met in these pages,' Ms. King writes, 'demonstrate decisively that, to varying degrees, they think their way through their days and experience feelings about what they make happen and what happens to them.' We, of course, determine what happens to most animals. Readers will finish the book and resolve to go forward--eating meat, abstaining from it, or consuming less of it--in a more purposeful way. The animal-welfare debate needs more thoughtful, informative and level-headed discussion--not least because it makes for effective advocacy. Personalities on the Plate is a good place to start." ― Wall Street Journal

"Meat comes bundled in packages, and the fleshy lumps don't conjure up a creature that once possessed a mind, emotions and a personality. Did that make it easier for me to eat the chicken? Or would I have more enjoyed biting into a leg of a chicken I knew? Perhaps I couldn't have done it at all. King makes you think about such matters because the lives of animals matter to her. . . . King takes us chapter by chapter on a cook's tour of animals we humans eat, from insects to octopus to chickens, fish, goats, pigs, cows, chimpanzees and dogs, exploring the latest scientific discoveries about their intelligence and sentience--building a case for them as beings that deserve more out of life than a trip down our gullets. . . . King is not a scold, but she is good at stirring up. . . . She leavens this darkness with humor and tales of animals acting as individuals, expressing the full gamut of emotions we humans often wrongly claim solely for ourselves. Her method and passion are effective, and I ended the book agreeing that we can--and should--help these creatures and our environment by choosing to eat fewer of them or none at all." ―
Washington Post

"King has a knack for walking right up to the dreaded anthropomorphization line without crossing it. . . . King has gathered the most recent scientific research into what it is like to be, say, a cricket or a blue-head wrasse or a Nigerian dwarf goat, and, taken all together, it is more than a little mind-blowing. . . . She is passionate but not prescriptive." ―
Literary Review of Canada

"She is astute and interesting in reviewing the most recent scientific research into the inner lives of insects, octopuses, fish and vertebrates. . . . King is creditably keen that readers should come to their own conclusions on the basis of the evidence that she presents." ―
Times Literary Supplement

"The most compelling sections of the book describe octopuses and their impressive intelligence. King is full of facts about them, from their three hearts and blue blood to their ability to solve puzzles and change colour depending on their environment and mood." ―
The Times, UK

"King illuminates the animal lives and sensibilities that undergird the book's title. . . . King carefully engages recent scientific advances in ethology to document how animals learn, behave, and, to the extent that human systems of observation can hypothesize, feel. In doing so, she challenges the reader to consider that animals can be said to have personality; not to anthropomorphize animals per se, but to draw our attention to how individual animals feel and act so that we can 'train ourselves to see the complexity of animals' lives'. . . . Overall,
Personalities in the Plate is a highly valuable, multidisciplinary contribution to the growing body of literature on how we as human beings come to be aware of the creatures we eat, and what kinds of embodied behavioral cues we can observe in animals in order to potentially make different decisions about our consumption." ― Gastronomica

"Whether we realize it or not, whether we want to or not, with every meal we eat, we choose who gets to live and who will die. We need to look this thrice-daily fact in the face and make decisions we can live with. Here to help us is the compassionate and lyrical voice of Barbara J. King. Never shrill, always revealing, often surprising and even funny,
Personalities on the Plate is must reading for everyone who cares about animals, ethics and the earth."
  -- Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus

"This thoughtful book is not about whether we 'should' or 'shouldn't' eat meat--but you'll probably have your own conclusion at the end. Barbara J. King looks at the range of values surrounding farming and feasting, and at
who we are considering eating. But King also shows that different approaches to meat and to animal farming can be viewed through different lenses, giving us a richer understanding." -- Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel

"Of all the animals that we eat, fish are the species for which we have least compassion. Recent scientific research shows, however, that fish are smart and have personalities just like you and I. They have feelings and suffer pain, anxiety and stress. There is no reason to treat them any different from terrestrial farm animals. So of all the animals on our plate, fish perhaps most of all require a second thought. King's thoughtful commentary on the intelligence and personality of the animals we eat will go some way to provoking these thoughts in her audience." -- Culum Brown, author of Fish Cognition and Behavior

"Barbara King has written a gem. With deft, lively writing, she guides us into the inner lives of the animals so often conveniently hidden from our view, and reveals why they deserve a place at the table, not on it.
Personalities on the Plate should be read by everyone who eats, and especially the majority who eat others who had a life." -- Jonathan Balcombe, author of What a Fish Knows

"As factory farming and meat consumption increase globally, Barbara King's new book makes for crucial reading. Combining new scientific studies, personal experiences, and an honest, compassionate approach, King turns attention to the cognitive, social and emotional lives of species exploited for consumption. She puts firmly on the table the facts about animal sentience that omnivores would prefer not to think about. Brimming with ethological insights and boosted by anecdotes about individual animals (such as Ursula the pig, Mr Henry Joy the rooster, and Olive the octopus), there is no doubt that after reading Personalities on the Plate people will be compelled not just to rethink what to eat for dinner, but who they might be eating. A rigorously researched, eloquent, thoughtful and potentially life-changing book for all consumers of animals."

-- Annie Potts, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

"In
Personalities on the Plate, Barbara J. King uses the latest discoveries about mental capacities and social lives of creatures from insects and chickens to chimpanzees and dogs to make the moral case against meat. Combining first-rate science with personal experience, this book offers a fascinating window into the minds of animals that will make readers think deeply about what they are going to eat for dinner tonight." -- Hal Herzog, author of Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat

About the Author

After twenty-eight years of teaching anthropology at the College of William and Mary, Barbara J. King retired early to become a science writer and public speaker. King’s work has been featured at Scientific American, Aeon, Undark, SAPIENS, NPR, the BBC, Times Literary Supplement, the World Science Festival, and the annual TED conference in Vancouver. Her TED talk on animal love and grief is available online at https://www.ted.com/speakers/barbara_j_king. She lives in Wicomico, VA.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 022619518X
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of Chicago Press (March 15, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780226195186
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0226195186
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.04 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.1 x 6 x 0.8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 47 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Barbara J. King
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

I'm a wife, mom, animal lover, cat rescuer, ape-watcher, anthropologist, avid reader of novels and non-fiction, and of course writer! I love my work and how close it brings me to other species, ranging from gorillas and baboons to cats and turtles.

In recent years I've brought together my love of animals and my love of anthropology in writing books about what it means to be human. My recent book BEING WITH ANIMALS tells stories of emotions and behaviors expressed by apes, monkeys, elephants, whales, cats, and dogs to explore why we humans so readily care so deeply for other creatures. It spans the art caves of ancient France, the past-and-present reindeer cultures of Siberia, and our own present-day love of pets.

At home, my husband Charlie, daughter Sarah (see photo where she is pictured with me!) and I care for a large number of homeless/abandoned cats: 7 in the house, 11 in a spacious pen in our yard, 2 strays that hang around with us, and 7 at a nearby colony. The joy we get from interacting with animals at home, in national parks throughout the US, and indeed anywhere we travel is a huge part of our lives.

Please visit my website http://www.barbarajking.com to listen to some of my radio interviews or to read back entries in my FRIDAY ANIMAL BLOG (new ones will be available each week at the blog link here on Amazon). I'd also love to hear your own animal stories through the contact page there.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
47 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book informative and thought-provoking. They say it provides a balanced perspective and is worth reading for anyone considering being a vegetarian.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
5 customers mention "Thought provoking"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and informative. They say it's painful to read but provides a balanced perspective.

"Animal welfare is my field, and this provided a balanced perspective." Read more

"Interesting and thought provoking." Read more

"Painful to read, but so informative and heartbreaking." Read more

"could be condensed to 25 pages or less and pack more punch and info" Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and worthwhile for those considering vegetarianism.

"...So I'd recommend reading it, it was definitely worth the time! Joe McDonald" Read more

"...And the really good thing about this book? It's an enjoyable read...." Read more

"A good read for anyone considering being a vegetarian to honor our wonderful animal world. It was one of the deciding reasons for me...." Read more

"Great book, can be a little difficult because of the content (emotional or disturbing) but the author's prejudices are laid out for you very clearly..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2017
    I’m in a business where “full disclosure” is important. In her book, “Personalities on a Plate: The Lives and Minds of the Animals We Eat”, Barbara King gives full disclosure to the consumers on what’s on their plate. Did you know about the emotional sensitivity of an Octopus?, or the Grouper’s “team” effort in searching for food for themselves and others in the food chain? or the intelligence factor in a Chicken? Is human intelligence the “gold standard”?

    As a meat eater, I tend to be skeptical of “education” of comparing and contrasting human vs animal intelligence because it often ends in the “meat is murder” punch line. However, in this case, King takes great care to step back from the emotion of meat consumption and focuses on laying out a framework of the characteristics of animals for the purpose of painting a picture for the reader at points, several steps before we see the final meat/fish product on our plate.

    The bottom-line is that “Personalities on a Plate” may not inspire you to become a vegetarian but you will be fascinated by the research King provides and you’ll be aware, in a “full disclosure” way, as to what you’re eating and perhaps, that Vegan Burger option on the menu will be more than a “healthy choice”.
    9 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2018
    I was intrigued by the Kindle sample and bought the book, which I did enjoy, although perhaps not as much as I thought I would from the sample. That said, however, I find myself referring to the book in conversations, and it has me thinking about this entire issue in ways I did not do so before. So I'd recommend reading it, it was definitely worth the time! Joe McDonald
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2017
    How many times can you say that a book has made your life better? I can say that about this one. Learning about the personalities of the "meat" I've been eating has convinced me to try vegetarian -- or at least cut waaaaaaaaaaaaay back on meat. And the really good thing about this book? It's an enjoyable read. I don't feel lectured at, or scolded -- I feel like I'm hearing from a friend, who is sharing some really neat stuff.
    34 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2017
    A good read for anyone considering being a vegetarian to honor our wonderful animal world. It was one of the deciding reasons for me. Even if you have no plans to become vegetarian, it will help you look at animals with a new light.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2019
    Gave this as a gift, they loved it!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2017
    Great book, can be a little difficult because of the content (emotional or disturbing) but the author's prejudices are laid out for you very clearly and allow you to take or leave what you want to in this book.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2017
    Animal welfare is my field, and this provided a balanced perspective.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2017
    Thoughtful about the sensibilities of animals but not haranguing or vehement. This is a book to make you think deeply about our role and our relationships with animals. Highly recommended.
    18 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Kate
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read
    Reviewed in Australia on December 11, 2023
    Very informative.