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In social relationships—whether between mates, parents and offspring, or friends—we find much of life’s meaning. But in these relationships, so critical to our well-being, might we also detect the workings, even directives, of biology? This book, a rare melding of human and animal research and theoretical and empirical science, ventures into the most interesting realms of behavioral biology to examine the intimate role of endocrinology in social relationships.

The importance of hormones to reproductive behavior—from breeding cycles to male sexual display—is well known. What this book considers is the increasing evidence that hormones are just as important to social behavior. Peter Ellison and Peter Gray include the latest findings—both practical and theoretical—on the hormonal component of both casual interactions and fundamental bonds. The contributors, senior scholars and rising scientists whose work is shaping the field, go beyond the proximate mechanics of neuroendocrine physiology to integrate behavioral endocrinology with areas such as reproductive ecology and life history theory. Ranging broadly across taxa, from birds and rodents to primates, the volume pays particular attention to human endocrinology and social relationships, a focus largely missing from most works of behavioral endocrinology.

Customer Reviews (2)

An outstanding tour of hormones, behavior, and evolution
"Endocrinology of Social Relationships" is the product of two widely respected scholars in the field of human evolutionary biology and behavior.Ellison and Gray collectively bring decades of field and laboratory experience in biological anthropology to bear, resulting in an edited volume that stands alone among its peers.They have compiled an impressive array of contributors who each provide a unique and thorough examination of the subtle yet powerful interplay between hormones and behavior within the context of evolutionary theory.The topics vary widely yet never stray from the central theme of evolutionary biology.The organization of the topics makes for a natural flow from one topic to the next and it is easy to forget that one is reading a text that is rich in technical detail yet written in a manner that is accessible to the motivated reader.As a professor of biological anthropology at Yale University, "Endocrinology of Social Relationships" has become required reading for my graduate seminars in behavioral and evolutionary endocrinology.You won't find a better text on the subject.

Great survey of the effect of hormones on human behavior
Edited by two biological anthropologists, Endocrinology of Social Relationships is a wonderfully thoughtful survey on the effect of hormones on human social behavior, including a critical detour into the effect of hormones on non-human social behavior.

With chapters authored by such influential scientists as Kim Wallen, John Wingfield, Hillard Kaplan, and Sue Carter, ESR applies evolutionary theory and behavioral neuroendocrinology to human social relationships, in particular mating relationships, dominance relationships, maternal care, paternal behavior, and friendship formation. Peter Ellison also advances the very interesting perspective of "reproductive ecology," suggesting that the effects of hormones on sexual behavior can be best understood as a system that evaluates the energy sources available for successful reproduction. The weakest chapter in the book is a rather vague and cursory treatment of the influence of hormones on homosexuality (or "diversity", as the author characterizes it).

If you want to learn about the cutting edge of what is known about the intersection of hormones, evolution, and human social interactions, this is a great place to start. ... Read more

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Love and death are the principle players in these two full-cast dramatisations of chilling Ruth Rendell stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

A haunting exploration of an unbalanced mind
THE BRIDESMAID is of top Rendell quality. Obsession is a key theme here, as the male character is obsessively drawn to a family owned statuette and then transfers his affection to his future brother-in-law's cousin.But even deeper is said cousin's twisted conception of love. Once again, Ruth Rendell takes us into the abnormal mind, and this is well worth your while.

Chilling & Satisfying
The Bridesmaid is the book that introduced me to Ruth Rendell.

The Bridesmaid doesn't always rate as a favorite for Rendell's readers or critics, but it's near the top of the list for me. Her ability to crawl inside Philip's sexual obsession and his lack of certainty over what's real and what's imagined is brilliant. I also enjoyed the weaving together of the opening description of his aversion to violence and the gruesome violence that entered his life.

Although the plot has been criticized as flimsy, I don't agree. I thought the circumstances held together to reach a satisfying conclusion.

Relentlessly gripping
Philip Wardman is a young man working for Roseberry Lawn Interiors. He is of quiet, sedate character and he hates violence of any kind. At his sister's wedding, Philip meets her bridesmaid Senta Pelham and falls in love with her. She has a white complexion and silver hair thus resembling Flora, the stone statue in Philip?s mother?s garden. Philip's love for Senta grows passionate until one day she claims that they both have to kill somebody to seal their love for each other. And so begins an awkward journey through sick and weak minds, through an emotional, erotic and irrational relationship. Mrs Rendell's novel is appalling, shocking, convincing and relentlessly gripping. Mr William Gaminara offers a respectable performance in this audio book and I enjoyed very much listening to his reading.

A truly scary story
I was housebound with a snowstorm outside.A perfect time to take this book, with a drink, and read in bed.I had a hard time putting it down and read much later than I should have.

Senta, the mysterious bridesmaid, proved to be a bit more mysterious than imagined.Philip missed a lot of signals and not only from her.He didn't realize that his mother had another man friend and wasn't really feeling jilted by Gerard.Philip seemed too tied up with himself to notice what others were doing.

Interesting story of how it all ended with mistaken identities and lack of communication.A winner, however.

The best, by the best
One of Rendell's greatest gifts is her ability to show what happens when a normal person crosses paths with a sociopath.The hero has no idea what he's met up with because he's too decent to think that way; he and his girlfriend talk past each other in the most chilling way.It's like watching a slow-motion train wreck.

I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer who says the ending is dull and disappointing; it's the most dramatic and horrifying ending I've ever read.The last three pages are a tour de force of writing; it just doesn't get any better."They [the police] would come for this, though.They'd come for this." Gives me chills every time!

Do yourself a favor--read it! ... Read more

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Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: English Trampolinists, Peter Wingfield, Ted Blake, Jaime Moore, Claire Wright, Natalie O'connor, Kirstin Lawton, Asha Philip, Sarah Turner. Excerpt: Peter Wingfield (born 5 September 1962) is a Welsh born television actor, well known for his television roles as Dan Clifford in Holby City, Dr. Robert Helm in Queen of Swords and Inspector Simon Ross in Cold Squad. But he is internationally best known for his role as the 5000 year old Immortal Methos in the hit syndicated series Highlander: The Series. Wingfield was born in Cardiff and grew up in the Grangetown community, a good student who enjoyed athletics, music, outdoor activities, and drama. At the age of fifteen he was the Welsh National Trampoline champion. After his A-levels he entered Brasenose College, Oxford, and in 1982 began medical training at the prestigious St Bartholomew's Hospital in London. His time, however, was not devoted solely to medicine. In 1980 he spent his summer break at the National Youth Theatre of Wales where he discovered the sense of camaraderie and belonging that characterise truly outstanding acting troupes. His four-week stint with this youth theatre changed him in ways he didnt fully appreciate at the time, but which were to have a lasting impact. He also worked during his college years at the Brasenose Little Theatre, both performing in, and producing, a variety of plays. Shortly before completing his fifth and final year at St Bartholomews in 1987, Wingfield realised that the practice of modern medicine was not for him.One month before he was due to graduate, he made the decision to leave medical school and pursue acting as a full-time career. Wingfield began his formal acting training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, coincidentally ... More: http://booksllc.net/?id=1675498 ... Read more