How the wolf was driven out of history. A preview

Alexander Kluy's new book, "Der Wolf. Eine Kultur- und Angstgeschichte" (The Wolf. A Cultural and Fear History), delves into the complex relationship between humanity and wolves, examining how this animal has been historically perceived and treated.

The book argues that a significant portion of Great Britain's prosperity over the last millennium, including the growth of its wool industry and the expansion of its empire, is directly linked to the near-complete eradication of wolves. The author contends that the drastic decline in wolf populations led to a sharp, exponential increase in sheep and sheep herds, which in turn fueled the wool production, processing, and global export industries. This historical trajectory, Kluy suggests, has largely written the wolf out of the narrative of progress.

Kluy's work positions the wolf as a central figure in a "cultural and fear history," exploring the deep-seated anxieties and cultural narratives that have shaped human interactions with the animal. The book investigates how these perceptions have influenced societal development and the natural landscape, ultimately leading to the wolf's marginalization in both historical accounts and the environment.

The book, published by Edition Atelier in Vienna, is set to be released in early October. Kluy, a reviewer for DER STANDARD, brings his critical perspective to bear on the historical and cultural significance of the wolf, challenging conventional understandings of progress and development.