Llamas beyond the Andes: Untold Histories of Camelids in the Modern World.

The main focus of the text is a review of Marcia Stephenson's book, *Llamas beyond the Andes: Untold Histories of Camelids in the Modern World*, which explores the significant roles that South American camelids—primarily llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas—played in shaping Western imperialist narratives during New World exploration and exploitation. The author analyzes European-Indigenous contact zones, emphasizing the interactions surrounding the acquisition and exploitation of these animals, while also highlighting the contributions of both European and Indigenous actors. The book is noted for its accessible scholarship and the use of case studies that illustrate the economic and scientific interests in Andean camelids, as well as the historical context of bezoar stones sought for their supposed health benefits. Overall, Stephenson's work broadens the historical perspective on Global North-South relations and the role of animals in cross-cultural interactions. [Extracted from the article]