The hedgehog has had a close connection with people since the dawn of civilization, remaining an animal of fascination, endearment, and cultural significance. It has featured as an icon throughout time, from the Romans who regarded the hedgehog as a weather prophet, to modern gardeners who depend on the creature to keep their gardens free of pests. The Ancient Egyptians are the exception in their very special, if poorly understood, relationship with the hedgehog--the animal has remained one that is incorporated into myth and legend at the level of ordinary people and not the ruling classes. Hedgehog explores how this and other characteristics of the small creature have propelled it to the top of a number of polls of people's favorite animals. People react with passion and enthusiasm for the hedgehog, as it is, quite unusually, a wild animal that one can connect with. When scared the hedgehog stays still, allowing a closer look. It remains one of the few creatures that people can get close to without the fear of an attack, or it running away at the slightest movement. The hedgehog has spread through Europe and Asia to the foot of Africa, and is a prickly pet in the USA.

The hedgehog's appeal and public accessibility has lead to it to be found on numerous products, from advertising to films and children's books. Instantly recognizable, benign in reputation, Hedgehog demonstrates that there is much to admire about this beautiful, and now threatened, icon of wildlife.