Although rarely seen in the wild, the otter is admired for its playful character and graceful aquatic agility, which were established in the popular imagination through books and films such as Tarka the Otter and Ring of Bright Water.

This, however, is just a small part of their story — throughout history the otter has also been widely hunted for its fur and to prevent it from killing fish. Sadly, all thirteen species of otter are now considered threatened, and their survival is by no means certain.

In Otter, Daniel Allen reveals how the animal's identity has been shaped by human interactions. This wide-ranging book includes anecdotes from folklore, sports and popular literature, as well as exploring the ongoing efforts towards the otter's conservation.