Desmond Morris is a renowned British zoologist, ethologist, and author who was born on January 24, 1928, in Purton, Wiltshire, England. He is best known for his groundbreaking book “The Naked Ape” published in 1967, which explores the human behavior and evolution from a zoological perspective. Morris’s extensive research and observations on human behavior have made him a prominent figure in the field of ethology.
Throughout his career, Desmond Morris has focused on studying and understanding animal behavior, particularly that of primates. His work often delves into the similarities between human and animal behavior, shedding light on the instinctual and evolutionary aspects of human nature. Morris’s writing style is characterized by his ability to present complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner, making his books appealing to both scientific and general audiences.
In addition to “The Naked Ape,” which became an international bestseller, Desmond Morris has authored numerous other influential works. Some of his notable books include “The Human Zoo” (1969), “Manwatching” (1977), and “The Nature of Happiness” (2004). These books further explore various aspects of human behavior, society, and psychology, providing readers with thought-provoking insights into the human condition. Desmond Morris’s contributions to the field of ethology and his ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and popular literature have solidified his status as a prominent and influential author in his field.
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1967 The Naked Ape: A Zoologists Study of the Human Animal, by Desmond Morris, McGrawHill
The Naked Ape: A Zoologist’s Study of the Human Animal by Desmond Morris, first published in 1967. The book explores human behavior and society from a zoological perspective, examining the ways in which humans are similar to and different from other animals. Morris argues that humans are essentially animals, and that many of our behaviors and social structures can be explained by looking at our evolutionary history.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including human sexuality, aggression, communication, and culture. Morris uses examples from both human and animal behavior to illustrate his points, and he challenges many commonly-held beliefs about human nature. The Naked Ape was a controversial book when it was first published, but it quickly became a best-seller and has since become a classic of popular science writing.