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| Sociobiology: The New Synthesis, Twenty-fifth Anniversary Edition | 
| Author: Edward O. Wilson
Publisher: Belknap Press
Category: Book
List Price: $44.00
Buy New: $35.17
You Save: $8.83 (20%)
New (21) from $35.17
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 54711
Format: Special Edition
Media: Paperback
Edition: 25 Anv
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 720
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3.5
Dimensions (in): 9.7 x 9.7 x 1.5
ISBN: 0674002350
Dewey Decimal Number: 591.56
EAN: 9780674002357
ASIN: 0674002350
Publication Date: March 4, 2000
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Paperback. brand new
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| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 1-5 of 9 | | NEXT » |
 As good as science can be March 18, 2007
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book caused a lot of controversy in the 70's because it states that humans are animals and that their societies can be investigated and understood by biology. Apparently since Darwin called humans animals no other scientist had caused such anger among the ones who "think" of themselves as the reason for the existence of the Universe.
The Tests of Time January 12, 2005
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
Dr. Wilson's "Sociobiology," together with "The Insect Societies" and "On Human Nature" (that three volume set is essential to any thinking man's library) is sufficient to challenge and focus any perspective on Evolution and Society. These volumes, even after 30 yrs., simply do not allow themselves to be ignored. Someone without both concentration and some technical background will have a tough time with "Sociobiology." Dr. Wilson presents a very detailed argument, quite reminescent of "Insect Societies." That said, the writing style is engaging and clearly directed at the non-professional reader. The Point: I gave copies of all three volumes to my children when they left home for the university.
Good read, but more like a science textbook April 2, 2004
23 out of 25 found this review helpful
Having been a science major, this book at times reminded me of reading a biology textbook. At other times though, the author does use his literary skills and story telling ability and keeping things humourous; especially when he tells of the murder, deception, treachery, intrigue and chemical warfare of his beloved ants.There is A LOT of theory in this book. He will typically describe an organisms behavior or behavioral trends and then desrcibe the competing hypothoses for these trends, phenomena or divergance from these typical trends. Like I said though, this book is technical. Don't attempt reading it unless you have completed 2 courses of undergrad biology and calculus, as well as chemisty (most of the chemicals used by ants and the like involve simple organic compounds I was a chem major myself.) In other words, this is not like On Human Nature or Journey to the Ants: This is more like a 3rd or 4th year advanced biology course textbook.
Recommended by a dissenter April 8, 2003
10 out of 15 found this review helpful
Great read! Well written, well thought out but I disagree strongly with parallels drawn with human societies. Would recommend this wholeheartedly for every thoughtful reader.
a classic! March 7, 2002
3 out of 6 found this review helpful
I rated it a 5, so theres not much left to say. Its a classic and if you are involved anywhere in the biological sciences you should have this book on your shelf (especially if you want to understand the new papers coming out on biodiversity such as those that challenge the ideas of island biography).
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