Product Description

This study is an analysis of the roots of human savagery, dealing with the fundamental questions of why the majority of violence is perpetrated by men, whether this is a matter of nature or nurture and whether anything can be done about it. The book provides some surprising answers, based on comparison of male violence among human and among man's closest relatives, the great apes. In three or four species, male violence is common, but the form of violence differs: male orangutangs tend to rape, male chimps wage war and male gorillas kill the offspring of other males. Only in the fourth species, the little-known bonobo, are males (as well as females) non-violent - females are co-dominant, there is no observable aggression between groups, and there is a high level and diversity of sexual activity. The findings are based on 30 years of field research on the behaviour and ecology of chimpanzees and other mammals in Africa.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #556214 in Books
• Published on: 1997-08-14
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 350 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
If you harbour a sneaking suspicion that men are a herd of ignoble savages, then this book is for you. Authors Wrangham and Peterson will confirm your instincts. It turns out that extremely violent social behaviour is deeply rooted in male human genes and common among our closest male primate relatives. Rapes, beatings and killings are as much a part of life among the great apes as they are among us. The authors try to conclude on some upbeat notes that ring hollow, but their science reveals much about the dark side of human nature.

Customer Reviews

explains why we're such awful creatures
This book seeks to explain the origins of human violence in terms of retained behaviour for our ape ancestors. From the introduction where the authors discus the genocide in Rwanda whilst en-route to study bonobo's to the phenomenon of rape in ornag-utans, infanticide in gorillas and cannibalsim in chimps we can see our cultural heritage clearly mapped out for us. Well written with a good balance between the formal scientific discussion and a more informal approach. Actaully quite a depressing book

A solid piece of work.
Provides a unique perspective on a subject that is too close to home for either comfort or objectivity. Leaves you with more questions than answers. Will be passing out copies of this book to friends for years to come.

A real insight
An incredible book based on solid research, the results of which were as much a shock to the authors as they will be to the reader. It would appear we have more in common with the apes than perhaps we would like to admit. Could the social restraints of our present society be the shackles for an outrageous demon?