Pleasurable Kingdom Released in Paperback, Foreign Language Editions

PCRM research scientist Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D., knows that life for animals is much more complex than a bleak battle for survival and the avoidance of pain. Now people across the world will be able to explore animal feelings and emotions as Dr. Balcombe’s book, Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and the Nature of Feeling Good, which takes a look at growing evidence that animals enjoy themselves, is released in a paperback edition and in several different languages.

Pleasurable Kingdom takes an in-depth look at new evidence that animals have the capacity for good feelings through play, touch, sex, food, and even anticipation. Balcombe provides rigorous evidence along with detailed anecdotes of different species showing a broad range of positive emotions and behaviors.

The paperback edition, which will hit bookstores July 10, includes a new foreword by renowned moral philosopher Peter Singer. According to Professor Singer, “But with all this emphasis on animal suffering, I and many others in the animal movement have neglected animals’ capacity to enjoy their lives. Fortunately, Jonathan Balcombe’s splendid book has restored the balance. His work is part of a continuing revolution in our thoughts about animals.”

Dr. Balcombe is now sharing his findings about animal behavior with people across the globe in several different ways. A Japanese-language version of Pleasurable Kingdom has already been printed, and a German-language version will be available in September. Greek and Korean editions are also in the pipeline. This month, Dr. Balcombe will be embarking on a 19-stop lecture tour of Australia and New Zealand. Stops on his trip include University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne Animal Welfare Science Centre, and Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania, and several book signings and national media interviews.

Dr. Balcombe brings to his writing years of research involving animal behavior. He received his doctorate in ethology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has published papers on the behavioral ecology of birds, bats, and turtles. He previously published The Use of Animals in Higher Education: Problems, Alternatives, and Recommendations, and has contributed to more than 30 book chapters and academic journals.