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  • The Wolf Within

  • The Astonishing Evolution of the Wolf into Man’s Best Friend
  • By: Professor Bryan Sykes
  • Narrated by: Charles Armstrong
  • Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
  • 3.7 out of 5 stars (6 ratings)

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The Wolf Within

By: Professor Bryan Sykes
Narrated by: Charles Armstrong
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Summary

The genetic history of the dog is a sensational example of the co-evolution of two species, man and wolf, to each other’s mutual benefit. But how did this ancient partnership begin? To answer this question, Professor Bryan Sykes identifies tantalising clues in the recently mapped genetic makeup of both species.

Sykes paints a vivid picture of the dog as an ancient and essential ally. While undoubtedly it was the mastery of fire, language and agriculture that propelled Homo sapiens from a scarce, medium-sized primate to the position we enjoy today, Sykes crucially credits a fourth element for this success: the transformation of the wolf into the multi-purpose helpmate that is the dog. Drawing upon archaeology, history and genetics, Sykes shows how humans evolved to become the dominant species on Earth, but only with the help of our canine companions.

©2018 Professor Bryan Sykes (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers
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Critic reviews

"A terrific book, written with humour and humanity." (Sunday Times)

"An engrossing, bubbly read, a boy's own adventure in scientific storytelling that fairly bounces along...a thumping good read." (Observer)

"Sykes's wonderfully clear book should be compulsory reading for politicians...an eye-opening guide to the new branch of science that is changing the human race's view of itself." (Literary Review)

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Padded out

Thought the narrator was OK the problem was the underlying book. It was good at first but seemed to lose its way and then padded with superfluous material to make it up to the boo length. The interviews with random dog owners the author's wife met in the park was especially pointless.

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