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The Book of Humans
- Narrated by: Adam Rutherford
- Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins
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The Book of Humans
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Summary
We like to think of ourselves as exceptional beings, but are we really any more special than other animals? Humans are the slightest of twigs on a single family tree that encompasses four billion years, a lot of twists and turns and a billion species. All of those organisms are rooted in a single origin, with a common code that underwrites our existence. This paradox - that our biology is indistinct from all life, yet we consider ourselves to be special - lies at the heart of who we are.
In this original and entertaining tour of life on Earth, Adam Rutherford explores how many of the things once considered to be exclusively human are not: we are not the only species that communicates, makes tools, utilises fire or has sex for reasons other than to make new versions of ourselves. Evolution has, however, allowed us to develop our culture to a level of complexity that outstrips any other observed in nature.
The Book of Humans tells the story of how we became the creatures we are today, bestowed with the unique ability to investigate what makes us who we are. Illuminated by the latest scientific discoveries, it is a thrilling compendium of what unequivocally fixes us as animals and reveals how we are extraordinary among them.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio on our Desktop Site.
What listeners say about The Book of Humans
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- Steven Emsley
- 19-07-22
Electrifying
Tough going if you have no previous knowledge of genetics, but inspiring and full of electrifying ideas.
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- Michael G.
- 27-01-22
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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- Forrester bushcraft
- 15-10-18
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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- Edward Robinson
- 11-10-22
entertaining
interesting way to listen to and lots of good references to trust and use in future
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- Anonymous User
- 19-02-20
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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- Mr. A.Blk
- 14-04-22
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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- Anonymous User
- 04-05-23
Great book well read
Very well read book presented in a very engaging and personable style. easy to follow throughout.
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- Ms J. Wilkinson
- 02-05-23
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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- John
- 09-12-20
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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- Mirdza Abele
- 03-12-19
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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