Historical fiction covering unusual cases of animals being put on trial in medieval France from the perspective of their defense attorney--all based on transcripts of actual court cases For fans of Umberto Eco, Edward Carey, and Amor Towles Author Stephen Spotte's career as a marine scientist and biologist provides unique insight into animal rights Spotte is the author of multiple works on nonfiction, whose popular articles have appeared in National Wildlife, Animal Kingdom, and Science Digest Spotte is also the author of two memoirs, including My Watery Self (2015, Three Rooms Press), as well as seven novels The subject of the book is relevant in modern times as climate change ignites new issues of animal rights