Mother Nature: A History of Mothers, Infants, and Natural Selection

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Mother Nature: A History of Mothers, Infants, and Natural Selection should be required reading for anyone who happens to be a human being. In it, Hrdy reveals the motivations behind some of our most primal and hotly contested behavioral patterns--those concerning gender roles, mate choice, sex, reproduction, and parenting--and the ideas and institutions that have grown up around them. She unblinkingly examines and illuminates such difficult subjects as control of reproductive rights, infanticide, "mother love," and maternal ambition with its ever-contested companions: child care and the limits of maternal responsibility. Without ever denying personal accountability, she points out that many of the patterns of abuse and neglect that we see in cultures around the world (including, of course, our own) are neither unpredictable nor maladaptive in evolutionary terms. "Mother" Nature, as she points out, is not particularly concerned with what we call "morality." The philosophical and political implications of our own deeply-rooted behaviors are for us to determine--which can be done all the better with the kind of understanding gleaned from this exhaustive work.

Hrdy's passion for this material is evident, and she is deeply aware of the personal stake she has here as a woman, a mother, and a professional. This highly accomplished author relies on her own extensive research background as well as the works of others in multiple disciplines (anthropology, primatology, sociobiology, psychology, and even literature). Despite the exhaustive documentation given to her conclusions (as witness the 140-plus-page notes and bibliography sections), the book unfolds in an exceptionally lucid, readable, and often humorous manner. It is a truly compelling read, highly recommended. --Katherine Ferguson

Book Description

We are tempted to think of maternal instinct as a quality a woman has or lacks. But the belief that mothers instinctively nurture their offspring--one of the West's most cherished ideals and a view widely accepted even in scientific circles--has become increasingly controversial. Mother Nature presents a radical new way of understanding how mothers act and why, and how this new understanding is changing the way scientists think about how evolution works.

Drawing on anthropology, history, literature, developmental psychology, and animal behavior, Sarah Hrdy examines the distinct biological and genetic elements that constitute maternal instinct. She strips away the biases implicit in conventional stereotypes of female nature to give us very different and provocative perspectives on maternal ambivalence, the links between maturity and ambition, mother love and sexual love, and why age-old tensions between the sexes persist--and are being played out today in efforts to control women's reproductive choices.

Combining decades of research with her own experience as a mother, Hrdy makes clear in this remarkable book what it means--from a historical and evolutionary perspective--to be a mother and explains how this knowledge has transformed our understanding of human development and behavior.

Customer Reviews:

A Triumph!.......2007-05-13

Utterly fascinating and, when it comes to understanding what makes human beings tick, is of greater reality, to my mind, than the phantasmagorical reaches of psychoanalysis, and more fundamental. Painstakingly researched. A scholarly book written in an accessible and engaging style.

Must-read for any woman or parent (especially working moms!).......2005-11-18

I find myself raving about this book to every woman (and man) I know. This is the most astounding and thought-provoking book I've read in recent years. Professor Hrdy is an emeritus professor of anthropology at UC Davis who puts the behavior of mothers and infants into an evolutionary context, using a comparative approach and drawing from sociobiology, anthropology, and psychology. I enjoyed this book from my perspectives as a student who did doctoral research in behavioral ecology; as a scientist who's tired of the superficial stereotype of instinctive, selfless maternal devotion; and most profoundly as a mother who's trying somehow to balance the equation of doing good for my family, myself, and the world as an ecologist with a conservation group. I appreciated the fact that she did not just rely on her own research on langur monkeys, but extensively reviewed other studies (and pointed out the dearth of studies that challenge societal assumptions that all mothers should care for every infant under any circumstance). She also entertains different hypotheses instead of just staking out a prescription based on an idealized version from one point in human evolutionary history (i.e. romanticizing hunter-gatherer societies), as seen in anthropologist Meredith Small's "Our Babies, Ourselves", which is also a wonderful book, but lacks the breadth of Hrdy's scholarship.

I frequently read this book as I rocked and nursed my infant son, which made everything more vivid to me. Hrdy writes with grace and humor about topics such as the origins of lactation (the rapture and thrall of oxytocin), the sensual (and hormonal) appeal of infants (so luscious you want to eat `em up). I was fascinated by the many ways that mothers seek to secure resources for their children (such as the tradition of godparents, or women's "unnatural" ambitions in the workplace). But reading the tragic chapters in European history of unsuccessful wet-nursing and wholescale infant abandonment while nursing my baby was almost more than I could bear.

One theme Hrdy reiterates throughout the book is how mothers throughout history forge workable compromises between infant needs and maternal ambition. She shares her experiences as a mother and scientist, and reflections from other women in the field. I found myself cheering "Yes!" in her final chapters, when she steers the debate of working mothers away from the gender politics of "Is it bad for infants when mothers work?" to the more critical question "How can we ensure that infants are cared for as lovingly and securely as kin?" whether that's by the mother or 'allomothers' [relatives or helpers who care like mothers]. "All early caregivers become the emotional equivalents of kin. Any caretaker is capable of communicating the message infants desperately seek - `You are wanted and will not be set aside'. (p. 509)" While the mother is uniquely equipped to meet that need, with her physical contact, her scent, her milk, she's not the only one who can answer when an infant seeks "the meeting eyes of love." Hrdy has written a passionate and scholarly book that is both an engaging read as well as a profoundly enlightening look into human nature. I cannot recommend this more highly.

A must read for any evolutionary psychologist.......2004-02-20

So many great little factoids. My favorite topics include family planning (abortion, infanticide), maternal bonding, the adaptiveness of menopause, females in social structure, and lots of other tidbits I wish more authors would cover. The most fascinating thing is that these topics come up in the animal kingdom, not just with us.

Only complaint might be that it's a dense read, and doesn't have a nice "backdrop" to organize it like Robert Wright's books (which I highly recommend). For this reason, you might need to read it twice to get everything. The facts themselves are tremendous, however. This book illustrates many more complexities about females that her male contemporaries might gloss over. Hrdy offers balance to anyone who's read other books on the same topic -- albeit great ones -- by male authors. (Come on, they can't help it.)

One more interesting thing that Hrdy adds is that science in her field is limited because neither feminists nor conservatives want to explore the evolutionary basis of womanhood. For conservatives, they know they are baby machines. For feminists, all that matters is that women are now free. Hrdy takes issue with both camps.

Evolution from a female viewpoint.......2003-11-13

This is a fascinating look at evolution with particular reference to the female of the species. Packed with fascinating information about female behaviour through the ages. Descriptions of life among hunter-gatherer groups are particularly interesting. Subjects like infanticide, wetnursing, abandonment of infants, etc are gone into in great detail. I learnt a lot from this book. I particularly enjoyed the splendidly bloodthirsty lullabye from the Napoleonic era printed at the end of this book, my children love it. One small complaint, at one point in this book Ms. Hrdy compares housewives to laboratory rats. Now, I am used to the abuse routinely heaped on housewives, but this is really going a little too far. The big difference between a laboratory rat and a housewife is that I, a housewife, can leave my house any time I like (maybe it's different in America, perhaps housewives are kept locked up there, I don't know), and I frequently do. i have alot more freedom of movement than I would if I were, say, stuck in an office all day long. I quite accept Ms. Hardy' point that children do not have to be cared for full-time by their mothers, but it would be nice if she could refrain from abusing those of us who actually enjoy being full-time carers.

An Honest Search For Truth.......2003-07-01

Biology has an agenda. Squirrels, whales, and crickets do not have our language facility, thus they do not have self-help books, preachers, or legions of well-meaning advisors. Yet they are born with the genetically provided rules (feelings) that allow them to be successful squirrels, wonderful whales, and competent crickets. We too have genetically provided rules, which sociobiologists and such are trying to discover. This wonderful book is the author's attempt to explain some of the conditions of motherhood, the relations between mothers and babies, and sometimes tough choices mothers have to make. This work is, in my opinion, magnificent.

NOTE TO REVIEWERS: If one starts off a review with phrases like "goofy liberal", "ranting conservative", or "clueless libertarian", readers like me read no further. Plus my estimation of the reviewer's intelligence is halved.

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Mother Nature (A history of mothers, infants, and natural selection)

Manufacturer: Pantheon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000CKJX60

Book Description

Preparing for a trip where the forecast is chance of sunshine, partly cloudy, rain, and possibly an earthquake is a daunting task. Discovering Denali is an all-inclusive tour guide to Denali National Park and Mount McKinley.

Find the secrets of Denali's treasures:

The Denali Grand Slam--Dall sheep, caribou, moose and grizzly bears
Arctic High Altitude Mountaineering
Local festivals and events such as the Nenana Ice Classic and the Talkeetna Moose Dropping Festival
The annual lottery to be allowed to drive the length of the park

Discovering Denali is a compendium of all things Denali, including hiking and climbing maps, summer and winter activities, wildlife, local towns, and state parks.

Customer Reviews:

Like a Frommer's or Fodor's Guide to the Denali NP Area.......2006-04-11

This book is very thorough in covering everything around Denali National Park, and I mean everything. There is a trade off in that it isn't very deep in any one area, but if you are afraid that you are going to miss out on a hidden gem in the area, get this book. I used it on my last two trips to the find restaurants I never knew of and a better campground to stay in when I couldn't get into the park.

A couple of considerations, there are few illustrations in this book and it really does read like a Fodor's guide, so it is not a thrilling cover to cover read. Also, the information is starting to get a little dated. The information is still valid, although prices and schedules are probably getting out of date. Hopefully a new edition will come out in the next couple of years.

Discover Denali easy way.......2005-08-07

Once you get there, you learn that Alaska is EXPENSIVE, especially mistakes in planning well ahead. As is Denali National Park. And more you know, the better. For those planning a trip to Denali NP a word-of-mouth is probably the best way to go. The book by Dow Scoggins offers a good starting point and a reference for the w.o.m. search. Myself, I bought four guidebooks about Alaska and Denali, three more-or-less useless, rather collections of ads by different operators from the region, and the Scoggins' one. After being there, I can tell you that the book is worth the money.

Very Enticing Book: Now I Have To Go There!.......2005-01-09

Discovering Denali by Dow Scroggins is a "Complete Reference Guide to Denali National Park and Mount McKinley, Alaska," and the subtitle says it all. This book is a must for anyone going to Denali National Park area or to attempt climbing Mount McKinley (Denali). Scroggins details the beauties, necessities, delights, and dangers of this Wilderness adventure. He is specific in telling what equipment to bring and what to expect on many different trails. He covers all seasons individually. You'll also find an excellent guide to animals and plants found in this special area of the United States. He has included an interesting history of Denali National Park, driving and transportation information, as well as lodging and restaurants, activities, maps, and calendar of events. This is the best guide we have seen of what you need to know before you go to this vast and beautiful wilderness, whether you are a one day sight-seer, a camper, a back-pack hiker, or an expert mountain climber.

Finally a complete guide to Denali National Park, AK.......2004-01-18

Discovering Denali includes information on how to get to the park, what to see on the way, where to stay (including campsites, bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels), side trips and excursions, and tips for fishing, hiking, flightseeing and even climbing Mt. McKinley (also know as Denali, "the High One"). There are also bits of interesting history and folklore, extensive maps, and some personal insights by the author. It is the first and only source of information that provides detailed descriptions about the 43 individual sections of the park, including backpacking and camping information that heretofore has only been available upon arrival.

Finally, a great guide!.......2003-01-11

In my many treks to Denali, I have never Had to search for places and things that I had not explored- until I purchased this guide. The author brings to life the Park, as well as a reason to take the 'trail less traveled', as if there was a passion and connection with with the land that he so describes.

Book Description

La literatura de Jose Marti es unica. En la "Edad de Oro," usted podra apreciar el significado de un poeta y escritor unico en su tiempo.

Customer Reviews:

Too small to be easy to read.......2006-11-04

I did not check the content yet since it is for a girl birthay present, but it is possible a condensed edition, because the others "La Edad de Oro" that I knew were a lot bigger books.

It's an educational children's book.......1999-01-25

This book is soo good. I grew up on it as a child in Cuba and it's just as I remember it. Marti was not only a genius but loved children. Adults can benefit from reading the book. It's thought provoking.

A beautiful book by the world's finest poet........1998-09-13

Jose Marti was an amazing man. Poet, writer, revolutionary hero - his poetry is heartbreakingly beautiful and his essays on human dignity and courage eye-opening. It's only a shame that most Americans cannot understand his words.

Anyone who can understand Spanish and hasn't read this amazing little book is truly missing out.

It's time that someone translated this treasure into other languages so much more of the world can learn to cherish it.

A life-changing book.......1998-07-16

"La Edad de Oro" is a classic book for all Cuban children; imagine George Washington having edited and written a magazine for children and collecting its few issues in one volume. During his exile, the Cuban patriot and author Jose Marti edited a children's magazine in New York. He included classic stories he had translated from other languages, his own poetry and articles dealing with history or current events. A fighter for Cuba's independence in the 19th century, Marti's perspective was that of an anti-colonialist and champion of justice. That being said, it's not difficult to see why this would be a life-changing book for many children (as Marti hoped it would. After all, he was concentrating on children as a way of turning out future adults who would also champion liberty and justice). Some of the stories have a decidedly Victorian outlook but so many are full of a fire for justice that could politicize young readers. His account of the conquest of the Am! ! ericas by the Spanish is unforgettable. I first read this book in its original Spanish version when I was five or six and it changed me forever. Call me a bleeding-heart liberal, a card-carrying pinko...whatever...but I believe so many of the causes I'm interested in (anti-nukes, social justice, anti-poverty, etc.) came as a result of Marti's having opened my eyes to racism, capitalism, colonialism and a yearning for liberty when I was young. And my parents thought they were giving me a nice little storybook! He surrounded his stories about freedom with stories about magic fish and poems about a girl's little pink shoes with the intention of turning out a generation of socially conscious Cuban kids. What a genius!

De la edad de oro a El Dorado: Genesis del discurso utopico americano (Coleccion Tierra firme)

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De la edad de oro a El Dorado: Genesis del discurso utopico americano (Coleccion Tierra firme)
Fernando Ainsa
Manufacturer: Fondo de Cultura Economica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Poesia de La Edad de Oro I - Renacimiento

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Poesia de La Edad de Oro I - Renacimiento
Jose Manuel Blecua
Manufacturer: Castalia Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Apuntes tras su estudio

Poesia De LA Edad De Oro II Barroco
Jose Manuel Blecua
Manufacturer: Castalia Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Apuntes tras su estudio.......1998-08-25

En primer lugar debo lamentar no poder escribir estas palabras en inglés, pero eso no es demasiado importante en este caso, puesto que para leer este libro (lo mismo que para leer el volumen I, dedicado al Renacimiento) es necesario un completo dominio de la lengua castellana. Aunque no tengo más información, creo que ésta debe de ser la edición del profesor José Manuel Blecua. Si es así se trata de una de las más completas antologías de la poesía de este periodo, extraordinariamente seleccionada y maravillosamente presentada (para ser una edición en rústica). El profesor Blecua no se limita a los ejemplos más representativos, sino que junto a estos (véase, por ejemplo, a Quevedo o a Góngora) aparecen otras piezas mucho menos conocidas pero no menos deliciosas. Se trata de un libro idóneo para estudiantes universitarios que se inicien en el estudio de la literatura áurea hispánica; es una perfecta obra de referencia para cualquiera que esté interesado en este período y es, sobre todo, un libro para los amantes de la poesía de cualquier condición.

En Busca De La Edad De Oro/ In Search of the Golden Age: Los misterios de las civilizacions perdidas / The mysteries of lost civilizations

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En Busca De La Edad De Oro/ In Search of the Golden Age: Los misterios de las civilizacions perdidas / The mysteries of lost civilizations
Javier Sierra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Early Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Journalism | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 9685960364

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Cuba: La Edad De Oro (The Golden Age)

Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0634021958

Product Description

This terrific collection includes 27 classic Cuban songs from the 1930s-1950s, when Havana was the center of the entertainment universe, and mambos and cha-cha-chas reigned in the dancehalls. Includes an interesting introduction in both English and Spanish, and photos of the artists represented, including P rez Prado, Beny Mor , Electo Rosel, Isolina Carrillo and many others. Songs include: Aquellos Ojos Verdes Babal Bilongo Contigo En La Distancia Dos Gardenias La Sopa En Botella La ltima Noche Malague a Mambo #5 Nosotros Quiz s, Quiz s, Quiz s Tres Palabras T , Mi Delirio and more.

Arabes En La Edad de Oro - Pueblos del Pasado

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Arabes En La Edad de Oro - Pueblos del Pasado
Veronique Ageorges , and Mokhtar Moktefi
Manufacturer: Edelvives
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

Artes de Bien Morir: Ars Moriendi de La Edad Media y del Siglo de Oro (Rescatados Lengua de Trapo)

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Artes de Bien Morir: Ars Moriendi de La Edad Media y del Siglo de Oro (Rescatados Lengua de Trapo)

Manufacturer: Lengua De Trapo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Chocolate Caliente Para el Alma en la Edad de Oro (Chocolate Caliente...)

Average customer rating:

Una lectura amena e interesante.

Chocolate Caliente Para el Alma en la Edad de Oro (Chocolate Caliente...)
Jack Canfield , Mark Victor Hansen , and Paul J. Meyer
Manufacturer: Atlantida
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Una lectura amena e interesante........2007-01-13

Este libro lo recomiendo favorablemente. Tiene una serie de historias excelentes en torno a las personas de la edad de oro que lo hará meditar y reflexionar.

Cuentos de la Edad de Oro : cuentos fantásticos de la época victoriana

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Cuentos de la Edad de Oro : cuentos fantásticos de la época victoriana
Unknown
Manufacturer: Valdemar
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 8477022720

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