
A Primate's Memoir
A Neuroscientist’s Unconventional Life Among the Baboons
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
3 months free
Buy for $18.91
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Mike Chamberlain
-
By:
-
Robert Sapolsky
"I had never planned to become a savanna baboon when I grew up; instead, I had always assumed I would become a mountain gorilla," writes Robert Sapolsky in this witty and riveting chronicle of a scientist's coming-of-age in remote Africa. An exhilarating account of Sapolsky's twenty-one-year study of a troop of rambunctious baboons in Kenya, A Primate's Memoir interweaves serious scientific observations with wry commentary about the challenges and pleasures of living in the wilds of the Serengeti-for man and beast alike.
Over two decades, Sapolsky survives culinary atrocities, gunpoint encounters, and a surreal kidnapping, while witnessing the encroachment of the tourist mentality on the farthest vestiges of unspoiled Africa. As he conducts unprecedented physiological research on wild primates, he becomes ever more enamored of his subjects - unique and compelling characters in their own right - and he returns to them summer after summer, until tragedy finally prevents him. By turns hilarious and poignant, A Primate's Memoir is a magnum opus from one of our foremost science writers.
©2001 Robert M. Sapolsky (P)2013 TantorListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
People who viewed this also viewed...









What did you love best about A Primate's Memoir?
People of my age grew up hearing about the famous primatologists. Mr. Sapolsky acted on those stories and has lived the life. He does not glamorize it, nor does he glamorize Kenya or the baboons that he grew so attached to. This book, rather, is a love letter to life.What was one of the most memorable moments of A Primate's Memoir?
The last chapter and Mr. Sapolsky's efforts to understand his baboons, his life's work, and his life.Any additional comments?
This is an incredibly moving book. It starts out a little slow (I really couldn't relate to a young graduate student who spent his summers in Africa studying baboons), but the humanity of the story and of the author builds steadily throughout the book.Unexpectedly brilliant and moving
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I cherish my autographed book and will cherish this book review.
EXCELLENT AND WELL DONE!
BRAVO
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The author combines lighthearted dry humor with sadness. Although a memoir, he keeps much of his own personal life shrouded. I wish I had known a bit more about him.
I wonder how many poetic liberties he took with his adventures. If they are even 90% true, it is an amazing tale of survival. A Jewish white man who takes on the cultural otherness of a very different culture from his...
Sometimes the story got lost in the details. At other times, it sped.
I would have liked hearing real Kenyan accents since this was an audio book.
Interesting & Quirky
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
One of my favorite books
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Not really for animal lovers.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Definitely a tear jerker
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Loved it
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Delightful
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Sapolsky has a way of telling a story that keeps the listener interested. He has a great sense of humor and sneaks little remarks. in that catch you off guard. He shows genuine compassion and concern for every member of the troop. It was enlightening to find how primates have distinct personalities. Their social interactions and structures are very similar to humans. I have listened to other books and lectures by The Great Courses the author and enjoyed them as well.
The narrator is one of the best that I have heard have been listening to recorded books for decades.
May listen to again.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Brilliant!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.