Books on Anthropology, Biology, Sociology and Psychology
 In Falling in Love: How We Choose the Lovers We Choose, Dr. Pines shows us that we both consciously and unconsciously select those with whom we have intimate relationships. In an engaging mix of psychological research and clinical anecdotes, she presents the latest scientific findings on love and provides sound advice and observations on this classic topic.  Based on extensive research on gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and heterosexuals, Dual Attraction provides the first major study of bisexuality. The authors do make some fairly sweeping generalities from a relatively small (150 subjects, according to one reviewer, 800 according to another) sample, however. Worth a read if for no other reason than to see some controversial positions staked out in 1995 and see how they have withstood the test of time.  Fisher's 1995 work was groundbreaking, and it spurred a number of popular treatments. While some have disputed a few of her observations and conclusions, it remains a very valuable and seminal work for anyone who wants to understand the connection between biology, gender, evolution, and intimate relationship structures.  Is there a "gay gene"? What if there is? And what does "gay" mean, anyway? Philosopher and queer studies instructor Edward Stein asks these questions and far more, delving deeply into our feelings about gender and sexuality in The Mismeasure of Desire, a deep but accessible examination of how we classify and study sexual orientation. |
 Science writer Matt Ridley makes the arcane fields of evolutionary biology, genetics, and the like accessible to the lay reader. The result is a better understanding of what we think we know about how we came to be the sexual creatures we are today.  Using the life of Charles Darwin as a metaphorical roadmap for this look at the emerging science of evolutionary biology occasionally detracts from its readability and usefulness. Still, Wright's work helps place this new way of looking at evolution and its affects on observed human behavior into a useful context. A very worthwhile read, the book was greeted with both plaudits and howls of indignation when released in 1994.  Dr. Tennov's study of the state of being "in love" provides a valuable insight into this oft-discussed, but seldom truly understood, state. She develops her findings on how some people never seem to experience this amazing sensation, with all its attendant pleasures and sorrows, while others move from relationship to relationship, seeking. finding, and losing "the perfect love." She discusses how social constructs about the pros and cons of "being in love" shape institutions, art, literature, science, and psychology. You might find yourself, and/or your lover(s), described in the pages of this book! And, you might consequently learn a lot about why your relationships work or don't. |