The Book of Humans: Culture, Sex, War & Evolution by Adam Rutherford - Non Fiction - Paperback

About it

Details. Condition: BRAND NEW. Format: Paperback. ISBN: 9781780229089. Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson. Age Range: Adult / General Readership. Overview. The Book of Humans: A Brief History of Culture, Sex, War and the Evolution of Us is Adam Rutherford's witty, wide-ranging tour through the animal kingdom, asking what really separates humans from other species. Drawing on genetics, anthropology and evolutionary biology, Rutherford dismantles comfortable myths about human exceptionalism while celebrating the genuine strangeness of our species. This brand-new paperback is a rewarding read for anyone curious about science, evolution and what makes us tick.. About the Book. Waging war, having sex for pleasure, making art, mastering fire - these were once thought to be uniquely human traits, but Rutherford shows that nature is rarely so tidy. Across engaging, myth-busting chapters he explores the surprising behaviours of dolphins, crows, chimpanzees and other creatures to reveal how much we share with the rest of the animal kingdom - and where genuine human distinctiveness actually lies. The book moves fluidly between cutting-edge scientific research and vivid storytelling, covering topics such as sexuality, violence, cooperation, symbolism and culture. Rather than offering a single grand theory of human nature, Rutherford builds a nuanced, evidence-based picture, encouraging readers to question assumptions they may never have examined before. His prose is playful and often very funny, but always grounded in rigorous science, making complex ideas about evolution and genetics accessible without oversimplifying them. The result is a book that entertains as much as it informs, ideal for readers who enjoyed his previous bestsellers and for anyone who wants a smart, unpretentious guide to the science of being human. It's equally suited to a relaxed weekend read or as a jumping-off point for classroom or book club discussion about evolution and what truly makes our species un