David P. Barash

Two biologists (father and daughter) set out to explain literature from a Darwinian point of view — but it ends up being the other way round, in that they give us the evolutionary background to a particular group of animal social behaviours and then use the plots of great works of literature to illustrate at a very superficial level what they mean. All quite entertaining, but not very new if you’ve read other popular science books about evolution (Dawkins & co.). Their ideas about literature don’t seem to involve anything beyond the plot, and it doesn’t really deepen our understanding of Jane Austen very much to know that female animals have good evolutionary reasons for being choosy when it comes to picking partners (for example).… (mehr)

In this book, Professor Barash attempts to enlighten us on some of the mysteries of human evolution. If we think of humans as evolutionary beings with natural selection designed to favour reproduction and survival, many things about the way we've evolved seem unnecessary, if not downright counterproductive.

The author explores concealed ovulation (even from the person ovulating!), homosexuality, religion, art and other topics He doesn't provide definite conclusions about them, but sets out current theories as well as relevant research that supports or disproves them. He also makes no moral judgements -- this is about science.

The writing style is largely engaging, with some funny asides in the footnotes. A bit repetitious. Sometimes, I found it hard to follow his connections or logic. I think the writing could've been a little clearer at times.

Certainly interesting for anyone who likes to ponder the mysteries of why we are they way we are!… (mehr)