The Origin of Man

Explains the hypothesis that humans descended from primates through a series of changes initiated and maintained by hunting in packs.

Carveth Read (Author)

9781107628007, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 February 2012

116 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.7 cm, 0.18 kg

This volume contains the enlarged and revised 1925 second edition of The Origin of Man, originally published in 1920 as the first part of The Origin of Man and of his Superstitions. The study was intended by its author, Carveth Read, to explain the hypothesis that the human race descended from primates through a series of changes which began and were maintained by the practice of hunting in pack for animal food. It was the differences between the human race and primates, and not their similarities, which were most fascinating to Read and provided the basis of his inquiry. This volume will appeal to anyone with an interest in the history of evolutionary biology in the early twentieth century.

Preface to The Origin of Man and of his Superstitions
Preface to The Origin of Man (2nd edition)
1. An hypothesis concerning our origin
2. Prey and competitors of Lycopithecus
3. Physical differentiation of man
4. Cultural consequences
5. Mental differentiation of the Hominidae
6. Psychology of the hunting-pack
7. Acquisitions in culture and custom
8. Moralization of the hunters
9. Influence of the imaginary environment
Note on the locus of differentiation of Lycopithecus
Index.

Subject Areas: Anthropology [JHM]