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The Book of Humans

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The Book of Humans

By: Adam Rutherford
Narrated by: Adam Rutherford
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About this listen

*FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF A BRIEF HISTORY OF EVERYONE WHO EVER LIVED and HOW TO ARGUE WITH A RACIST*

WHAT MAKES US HUMAN?

Waging war?
Sex for pleasure?
Creating art?
Mastery of fire?

In this thrilling tour of the animal kingdom, Adam Rutherford tells the story of how we became the unique creatures we are today. Illuminated by the latest scientific discoveries, THE BOOK OF HUMANS is a dazzling compendium of what unequivocally fixes us as animals, and reveals how we are extraordinary among them.

***

'Adam Rutherford is a superb communicator, who eruditely explores the borderlands of history, archaeology, genetics and anthropology in this fascinating tour of our species' DAN SNOW

'This superbly accessible discussion about who we humans really are is important and necessary' CHRIS PACKHAM

'Charming, compelling and packed with information. I learned more about biology from this short book than I did from years of science lessons' PETER FRANKOPAN

'An outstandingly clear and witty account that shows beyond doubt how much we are part of the animal world, and yet at the same time how different we have become' HENRY MARSH

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 Adam Rutherford (P)2018 Orion Publishing Group
Biological Sciences Evolution Genetics Physiology
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What listeners say about The Book of Humans

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a wonderful book

an exceptionally well written book ideal for both those with a casual interest in who we are and a pleasant read for those with a little more knowledge.

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5 people found this helpful

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entertaining

interesting way to listen to and lots of good references to trust and use in future

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Electrifying

Tough going if you have no previous knowledge of genetics, but inspiring and full of electrifying ideas.

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Is Dr Rutherford a tad sex-obsessed?

Very entertaining, but I was surprised by just how much was about sex. Male-male couplings in giraffes was fine but he then had a chapter on animal oral sex (think bears in Belgrade zoo), loads on bonobos and then stuff on necrophilia. Clearly he wanted to tell us stuff we would not hear about in a mainstream science book, and he was successful. The best fun fact was the dolphin using an electric eel as an aid to masturbation! It made me laugh!

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Very good!

It’s a fresh intake, nicely performed and greatly paced. It’s also a great read if you have already read other similar titles like “Sapiens”.

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2 people found this helpful

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very easy on the ear

brief history of manking throughout millenia, full of interesting information about habits or random species we can relate to

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Great book well read

Very well read book presented in a very engaging and personable style. easy to follow throughout.

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Another great book

This book is as informative and interesting as expected.
Adam has a voice that draws you in and holds you in the story.

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Fantastic and insightful

Loved this book. Really gives a look into human behaviour with an affective biological basis. The author is very good at communicating ideas and concepts, and the level is perfect for someone wanting a good amount of science but at the same time accessible. Hugely enjoyable.

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1 person found this helpful

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Increadible

An increadible book, truly an eye opener on nature, what is natural and who is the human animal. This type of knowledge should be part of fundamental education in schools.

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