Stuffed Animals: A Modern Guide to Taxidermy

Artists Anantharaman and Innamorato capture the ins and outs of do-it-yourself taxidermy in this eccentric guide to the off-kilter art of preserving animals. Bursting at the seams with stunning—often explicit—color photographs, this comprehensive manual begins with a brief history of the practice from the 17th century to the present, profiling famous taxidermists including James Audubon, Charles Darwin, Queen Victoria, and Theodore Roosevelt. The authors then cover the modern ethics of the practice (sourcing animals from roadkill, for example) and review terms and tools of the trade, complete with a lively FAQ (questions include “do I need to tan bird?” and “HELP! It’s slipping!!!!?!”). After urging readers to refer to myriad sources before embarking on their projects, Anantharaman and Innamorato provide chapters with detailed steps on the taxidermy of mammals and birds, covering all the nuances of forms and pelts. Also included are an amusing chapter on gaff making (the creation of fantasy animals such as a jackalope or parakeet with two heads) and a kooky final chapter of recipes for woodchuck tacos and Parmesan squirrel. The writing is deeply knowledgeable, bright, hip, and fun. (Oct.)