Product Description

The first edition of Frans de Waal's Chimpanzee Politics was acclaimed not only by primatologists for its scientific achievement but also by a much broader audience of politicians, business leaders, and social psychologists for its remarkable insights into very basic human needs and behaviors. In this revised edition -- featuring a new gallery of color photographs along with a new introduction and epilogue -- de Waal expands and updates his story of the Arnhem colony and its continuing political upheavals. We learn the fate of many memorable chimpanzees and meet the colony's current leaders and their allies. The new edition remains a detailed and thoroughly engrossing account -- of sexual rivalries and coalitions, of actions governed by intelligence rather than instinct -- and it reaffirms the complex bond between humans and their closest living relatives. As we watch the chimpanzees of Arnhem behave in ways we recognize from Machiavelli (and from the nightly news), de Waal reminds us again that the roots of politics are older than humanity.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #81922 in Books
• Published on: 2000-04-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review

"Fascinating to read." -- Amelie Koehler, Ethology

"When I first read this book, I was in Dar es Salaam with Jane Goodall. I had just returned from observing chimpanzees for two weeks at Gombe. After the real life experience, I expected a book about chimpanzee behavior -- and at a zoo, at that -- to make rather dull reading. But I was in for a surprise. De Waal's Chimpanzee Politics is as much fun as a tree full of wild chimps." -- Adrienne Zihlman, American Journal of Primatology

"Chimpanzee Politics continues to be the same inspirational book that it was 25 years ago, essential reading for any young primatologist, and a highly recommended re-reading for the older hands!" -- Juan-Carlos Gómez, Primate Eye

Review

"Even more enlightening than Machiavelli's The Prince, this book describes power takeovers and social organizations in a chimpanzee colony... I'll never look at academic or corporate politics the same way." -- Jim Collins, Inc., reviewing a previous edition or volume

"The best book ever written on the social life of apes in captivity... The author has that special empathetic insight into the mind of the chimpanzee which is shared by few but can somehow be recognized by many." -- William McGrew, Human Ethology Newsletter, reviewing a previous edition or volume

"Schmoozing. Scheming. Consensus building. You won't glean these management techniques from any business text. But you can't run your company without them. Take it from the apes... The author demonstrates that chimps are, in the broadest sense, political." -- Laurence Shames, Business Month, reviewing a previous edition or volume

"Precise but eminently readable and indeed exciting... This excellent book achieves the dual goal which eludes so many writers about animal behavior -- it will both fascinate the non-specialist and be seen as an important contribution to science." -- Robert Hinde, Times Literary Supplement, reviewing a previous edition or volume

About the Author

Frans de Waal is C. H. Candler Professor of Primate Behavior at Emory University and director of the Living Links Center at the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center. His books include Bonobo: The Forgotten Ape, Peacemaking among Primates, and Good Natured: The Origins of Right and Wrong in Humans and Other Animals.

Customer Reviews

Important and Compulsive - Popular Science at its Best
This book deserves the hype. You will come away thinking differently about humanity as well as chimpanzees. The book raises as many questions as it answers, but that's a good thing. Frans de Waal's writing brings the analysis alive and in places the account of life for the chimpanzees at Arnhem is immensely moving. However, the real importance of the book lies in its painstaking and pathbreaking analysis of the evolution of social relationships amongst the group over time. The photographs also help and the high production values are justified by, and compliment, the importance of the subject matter. For any reader with an open mind, this book will prove a joy.

Newt Gingrich bases his tactics on this book
I read this book after reading a magazine article about an interview with Newt Gingrich. Newt cited this book as one of the most influential in forming his political style. He learned from this book that if you make enough noise, you can overthrow the ruler of the tribe. He's been trying to get rid of Clinton with lots of noisy accusations. With the press' help, he's succeeded in weaking Clinton - at least within the beltway. Here's hoping the electorate will throw out the Republicans and get rid of Newt.

Despite Newt's endorsement & diabolical use of this strategy, it's a very well written & instructive book, which I would highly recommend.

Easy and Interesting Read
I enjoyed reading this book. It was perfect for the subject. Anyone interested in Primatology would enjoy this read.