This masterful essay by geographer Julie Delfour, first published in 2021 in the De natura rerum imprint, focuses on the fascinating, terrifying notion of the savage beast.

Party poetry, part critique, basing its demonstrations on illustrations, Delfour's book encourages readers to reflect on the relationships between humans and wild animals throughout history. By analyzing symbols and popular representations of wild animals, as well as scientific research on certain species, Delfour traces the elusive nature of the "bête noire." In fact, the verdict has been delivered: thrillers alone seem to have gotten this particular bugbear right.