This work investigates the historical presence and cultural significance of exotic animals imported into England from the Norman period through the early nineteenth century. Caroline Grigson, a distinguished zooarchaeologist, utilizes a vast array of primary sources, including royal records, personal diaries, and artistic depictions, to reconstruct how these creatures were acquired, housed, and perceived by the British public and monarchy. The book argues that the fascination with non-native species served as a barometer for political power, colonial reach, and shifting scientific curiosity over seven centuries.

Scholars and historians frequently cite this text as a definitive reference for the intersection of natural history and British cultural development. Readers note the meticulous research and the author's ability to synthesize dense archival data into a coherent, engaging historical narrative.