The Oxford Group and the Emergence of Animal Rights

“This is first-class research: readable, informative, and an important contribution to the sociology of creativity. I was particularly impressed by the detailed analysis of the state of philosophy at Oxford when the group formed, and the close attention to the interaction of the members of the circle that led to their revolutionary thinking that went beyond the conventions of the field. The authors convincingly argue that, for circles that develop in a magnetplace at the center of discipline, it is important to take into account the roles that mentors as well as peers play in the shaping the shared vision of the circle. Their use of oral history toreconstruct the interaction in the circle is an important contribution to the methodology for studying collaborative circles.” – Michael Farrell, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York”Part intellectual history and part philosophical biography, this clear and accessible book is original in charting the intellectual development of the philosophy of animal rights. Garner and Okuleye trace the origins of key concepts such as speciesism and equal consideration to a group of friends and colleagues who, history has shown, were independent thinkers way ahead of their time. Not only devotees of animal rights, but also anyone curious about thepersonal life of Peter Singer, and the history of analytic philosophy in Oxford in the late 60s and early 70s, will enjoy The Oxford Group and the Emergence of Animal Rights.” – John Hadley, Western SydneyUniversity”This book is a wonderful read. It is both academically insightful and a well-written account of a fascinating time, and fascinating people. It offers a detailed analysis of individuals and events that have proven important to the advent of both Animal Studies as an academic sub-discipline and the animal protection movement. In particular, the book affirms all the time and energy I–and many others–invest in bringing like-minded people together. Is eventorganizing worthwhile? This book suggests that yes, it absolutely is.” – Siobhan O’Sullivan, University of New South Wales”Garner and Okuleye’s outstanding study of the Oxford Group reveals the provenance of animal ethics in the academy and the emergence of animal activism in the streets. This is a must-read for scholars, activists, and anyone who cares about our relationship with the natural world” – Kim Stallwood, author of Growl: Life Lessons, Hard Truths, and Bold Strategies from an Animal Advocate

Robert Garner is Professor of Politics at the University of Leicester. He has an international reputation for his work on the politics and ethics of animal protection, and has written widely on the subject.

Yewande Okuleye is a Research Associate in the Department of Politics and International Relations at University of Leicester. Prior to returning to academia, she worked as a chemist at the Body Shop and was part of the pioneering research and development team, which investigated animal testing alternatives and formulated innovative hair, skin, and perfumery products that defined the natural and ethical skin care movement of the 1990s.