This work investigates the origins and persistence of animal-related superstitions across diverse global cultures and historical periods. Thomas G. Aylesworth, an author known for his accessible explorations of folklore and natural history, compiles a wide array of beliefs concerning creatures both common and mythical. The text argues that these superstitions serve as a reflection of human psychological responses to the natural world, illustrating how societies project meaning, fear, and reverence onto animal behavior.

Readers frequently note the accessible, survey-style nature of the prose, which makes it suitable for general interest rather than specialized academic research. Experts highlight this as a foundational introductory text for those interested in the intersection of animal behavior and human cultural history.