The Wolves of Minong

This is a great book if you are interested in the academic study of wolves. It can be a bit dry if you are not used to academic prose, though this didn't bother me (I'm an academic in a different field). Allen's text is enriched by extensive charts, figures, and BW photos. On the down side, he spends more time than I would like on non-wolf topics and on the logistics of the long-term wolf study on Isle Royale. I would also have liked more comparisons with wolves living elsewhere in North America as the Isle Royale environment has its peculiarities. Criticisms aside, it's a very good book and I almost gave it five stars.

I read this book years ago when it was first published in hardcover. It was the best book on wolves I have ever read. The fact that it is scientifically accurate actually made it more readable, not the least bit dry or dull. The wolves are complex, intelligent creatures that you come to admire even more as you read about their elaborate social rituals. I am buying this book for the second time!