This book isn't about baboons, it's about Sapolsky and happens to contain baboons in it. I like Sapolsky's style of writing about the baboons, but the amount of pages on them are really not very much. Sapolsky applaudably abandons the rigid, old-style scientific "objectivity" in describing the stories of the baboons and tells them as they should be told. I liked how he spoke of who and what actions he liked and disliked (even what baboons he fancied). However he shows no remorse or acknowledgement of issues with darting and anesthetizing the baboons.
Even in the non-baboon chapters, Sapolsky seems intent on telling us how this or that made him feel and interestingly seems to have remarkable (and questionable) insight into how others are feeling or thinking. With such subjective banter one might very well wonder if it doesn't also reflect into the chapters on the baboons. But much of it is just I went here and there etc.
I suppose those parts can be good if you're into the "adventure in the savannas and other strange lands of Africa" type of book, and the rest if you can take Sapolsky's word on some things. But if you wanted to get a book to read about baboons, be warned that they're only a part of this one. And it's a shame because he does write very well on them.
This is a truly inspiring account of life among humans and baboons in Africa during the 70s. Robert Sapolsky, a McArthur Foundation genius fellow, takes us on this amazing trip during times of intense political turmoil in the region.
Sapolsky had the intuition and insight to study the effect of stress on physical health long before the topic became widely recognized in medicine. His motivation was simple; find a model organism in which stress is most similarly related to that of the human. Indeed, most stress baboons experience is social in nature rather than that imposed by predators. Thus, by understanding the nature of that stress and its consequences on physiology, Sapolsky thought he'd start off his scientific career.
Sapolsky documents the behavior of a particular individual, paying close attention to his/her rank in the tribe. At some point, he darts that individual with an anesthetic and collects physiological data such as cortisol level, blood pressure, etc... By correlating the behavior with the physiology, Sapolsky tries to synthesize a model by which social stress (and status) contributes to one's overall health.
Sapolsky has one of the most entertaining styles of writing I have ever come across. It is simply hilarious. Not only does he talk about the science, but he discusses the personalities of these baboons. By giving them biblical names, Sapolsky allows the reader to connect to these baboons and recognize them as individuals.
Sapolsky additionally describes his interactions with the people who were involved in his work and others whom he dealt with throughout his travels. There are so many of these stories that they could have been written up as a whole other book. Their merger with the baboon stories is appropriate though and gives context to Sapolsky's life among these fascinating creatures.
This book is accessible to everyone. My wife, who does not normally read popular science books, loved reading it. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn about the humanity through the eyes of a close primate relative.
If I had to recommend one book to read before you die...
I picked up the book thinking it might be an interesting read. Upon finishing it I found it that and so much more. Even halfway through the book, I was enjoying it, but had no idea I was on my way to finishing what I would put down and realize had become my favorite book.
The subjects are fascinating and interesting...baboons and the author's experiences in Africa studying them and interacting with the people who live there...but it is the insights, the humor, the humanity and honesty with which these stories are related that left me feeling like I had been given the gift of sharing some of the most beautiful treasures of the human experience.
An excellent choice for a book club. I have shared it with many people, and they always end up wanting to share it with someone else. I feel like I am passing on a beautiful gift whenever I share it.
