Western conceptions of objectivity and individuality have resulted in a greater appreciation of the worth of animals and nature than has previously been recognized. This provocative book takes issue with the popular view Western cultural traditions, in contrast to Eastern and Indigenous traditions, encourage attitudes of domination and exploitation towards nature. Preece argues that the Western tradition has much to commend it, and that descriptions of Indigenous and Asian orientations have often been misleadingly rosy and are simplified and codified according to current fashionable concepts. Animals and Nature is the result of six years’ intensive study into comparative religion, literature, philosophy, anthropology, mythology, and animal-welfare science.