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On the Origin of Stories: Evolution, Cognition, and Fiction
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On the Origin of Stories

Evolution, Cognition, and Fiction (Hardcover)♥ Add to Wishlist

by Brian Boyd

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About the Book

A century and a half after the publication of "Origin of Species, " evolutionary thinking has expanded beyond the field of biology to include virtually all human-related subjects--anthropology, archeology, psychology, economics, religion, morality, politics, culture, and art. Now a distinguished scholar offers the first comprehensive account of the evolutionary origins of art and storytelling. Brian Boyd explains why we tell stories, how our minds ... more

     

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      CONDITION SELLER PRICE SHIPPING PURCHASE
      Used Very Good(1 Copy): Very Good in Very Good jacket 0674033574 Book in very good condition. Family-operated bookstore since 1961!
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      Russell Books
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      Used Good(1 Copy): Good [ No Hassle 30 Day Returns ] [ Underlining/Highlighting: SOME ] [ Writing: SOME ] Publisher: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press Pub Date: 5/30/2009 Binding: Hardcover Pages: 560.
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      Used Very Good(1 Copy): Very Good in Very Good jacket Book. 8vo-over 7¾-9¾" tall. Clean tightly bound copy. Unmarked text. tiny indent to the front dj panel. Makes a very nice clean copy with secure boxed packaging! i5.
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      Used Very Good(1 Copy): Very Good. Sewn binding. Paper over boards. With dust jacket. 540 p.
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      New: BRAND NEW HARDBACK 392 pages. Explains why we tell stories, how our minds are shaped to understand them, and what difference an evolutionary understanding of human nature makes to stories we love. this book presents a study which embraces a darwinian view of human nature and art, and offers a credo for a fresh humanism. 12 halftones (Hardback)
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      New: Format: Hardcover. Brand New, Perfect Condition. May Ship From Overseas, Allow Additional Delivery Time.
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      About the Book

      A century and a half after the publication of "Origin of Species, " evolutionary thinking has expanded beyond the field of biology to include virtually all human-related subjects--anthropology, archeology, psychology, economics, religion, morality, politics, culture, and art. Now a distinguished scholar offers the first comprehensive account of the evolutionary origins of art and storytelling. Brian Boyd explains why we tell stories, how our minds are shaped to understand them, and what difference an evolutionary understanding of human nature makes to stories we love.

      Art is a specifically human adaptation, Boyd argues. It offers tangible advantages for human survival, and it derives from play, itself an adaptation widespread among more intelligent animals. More particularly, our fondness for storytelling has sharpened social cognition, encouraged cooperation, and fostered creativity.

      After considering art as adaptation, Boyd examines Homer's "Odyssey" and Dr. Seuss's "Horton Hears a Who " demonstrating how an evolutionary lens can offer new understanding and appreciation of specific works. What triggers our emotional engagement with these works? What patterns facilitate our responses? The need to hold an audience's attention, Boyd underscores, is the fundamental problem facing all storytellers. Enduring artists arrive at solutions that appeal to cognitive universals: an insight out of step with contemporary criticism, which obscures both the individual and universal. Published for the bicentenary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of "Origin of Species, " Boyd's study embraces a Darwinian view of human nature and art, and offers a credo for a new humanism.


      Product Details

      • Media: Hardcover Book, 540 pages
      • Language: English
      • Publisher: Belknap Press (May. 31st, 2009)
      • ISBN-10: 0674033574
      • ISBN-13: 9780674033573
      • Dimensions: 6.10 x 9.30 x 1.70 inches
      • Shipping Weight: 2.20 lbs
      • Categories: Semiotics Theory Literary Criticism

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