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(Paperback - Revised Edition)
David Buss updates his classic study of the origin of human mating behavior with fascinating new research.
Clear, coherent, and convincing.... [What] makes it intriguing are the insights it offers into our behavior and the behavior of our partners, lovers, and friends.
More Reviews and RecommendationsDavid M. Buss is Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas, Austin, and the author of six books, including Personality: Domains of Knowledge about Human Nature and The Dangerous Passion: Why Jealousy is as Necessary as Love and Sex. He lives in Austin, Texas.
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December 11, 2006: Why do women use makeup? Why do men like to buy big cars? Why do people feel jealous? Evolutionary psychologist David M. Buss digs deep into the ancient past of human relationships to answer such questions, and produces intriguing results, disconcerting insights and valuable explanations. Using observations from the animal world and from many studies conducted in various societies, he provides a theoretical framework based on Darwin?s theory of natural selection. Give Buss credit for elaborately fitting in almost every conceivable puzzle inherent in human mating relationships - even though this, admittedly, at times requires quite a stretch of his evolutionary theory. We recommend this 'drop-dead shocker' (The Washington Post Book World) to anyone who has ever searched for, attracted, kept or separated from a mate - that is, anyone who is strong enough to face the unromantic truth.
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July 08, 2006: Buss presents comprehensive referenced research that is well integrated into a coherent picture of one of the most (if not the most IMHO) interesting aspects of human existence- gender and sexuality. The book provides ample access to the original literature as well as summarizing decades of observation and experiment that places the forefront of the field in the readers' hands instantly. I consider this a 'must read' for any educated person.