Mackenzi Lee •
The History of the World in Fifty Dogs •

Can’t get enough shaggy dog stories? Try this entertaining collection of essays on exceptional pups, from the hunting hounds of ancient Egypt to Queen Elizabeth’s famed corgis. If you can get past the cutesy spelling (hooman, good bois) and text abbreviations, the tales Lee has chosen are undeniably fascinating.

Our pooch pals are all here: beagles and bloodhounds, spaniels and shepherds, pugs and Pekingese, plus a healthy assortment of plain old mutts. War dogs. Healing dogs. Dogs revered as gods. Service dogs. Messenger dogs.

Meet Trouve, the Skye terrier that Alexander Graham Bell taught to say, “How do you do, Grandmama?” Read about traveling dogs like Seaman, the Newfoundland who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their years-long expedition to the Pacific Northwest, thereby getting “the best walkie of all time.” Appreciate the loyalty of the well-meaning greyhound who chomped the pope’s foot (not realizing that it was extended for his master to kiss).

Fact and legend often overlap in canine lore. Saint Bernards, for example, really were trained to save avalanche victims high up in the Alps. They would sniff out people trapped in the snow, lick them awake, and then lie on top of them to keep them warm, using their huge bodies as furry blankets. A Saint Bernard patrolling alone would bark to lead rescuers to the spot; when they worked in pairs, one dog would stay with the victim while the other went to summon help. The miniature brandy kegs, however, are fictitious—a painter’s embellishment that didn’t exist in real life.

Don’t forget to honor St. Roch, patron saint of pups, on August 16. And give a scritch behind the ears to the best dog in the world—the one lying beside you as you read this.