Plot Summary

The Naked Ape

Desmond Morris
Guide cover placeholder

The Naked Ape

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1967

Book Brief

Desmond Morris

The Naked Ape

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1967
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1960s

Publication Year

1967

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Naked Ape by Desmond Morris explores human evolution and behavior through a zoological and ethological lens, comparing Homo sapiens to other primates. The book examines physical and behavioral traits, such as brain size, sexual selection, and social structures, to explain human uniqueness. Morris also addresses topics like extended sexuality and speculates on the origins of social norms such as marriage. Sensitive topics such as human sexuality and body morphology are discussed extensively.

Informative

Contemplative

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.3

11,773 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Desmond Morris's The Naked Ape is largely praised for its accessible writing and compelling insights into human behavior, often described as thought-provoking and engaging. Critics, however, note that its anthropological assertions can feel dated and occasionally lack scientific robustness. Overall, it remains a fascinating, if somewhat controversial, read on human evolution.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Naked Ape?

A reader who enjoys The Naked Ape by Desmond Morris is typically fascinated by human behavior and evolution, much like readers of Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel or Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens. They seek insights into the biological and sociocultural factors shaping humanity, blending anthropology with accessible prose and provocative theories.

4.3

11,773 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1960s

Publication Year

1967

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!