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A New York Times Editor’s Choice A Los Angeles Times Book Prizes Finalist “A jaunty, insightful new book . . . [that] draws from disparate corners of history and science to celebrate our compulsion to storify everything around us.”
–New York Times
Humans live in landscapes of make-believe. We spin fantasies. We devour novels, films, and plays. Even sporting events and criminal trials unfold as narratives. Yet the world of story has long remained an undiscovered and unmapped country. Now Jonathan Gottschall offers the first unified theory of storytelling. He argues that stories help us navigate life’s complex social problems–just as flight simulators prepare pilots for difficult situations. Storytelling has evolved, like other behaviors, to ensure our survival. Drawing on the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary biology, Gottschall tells us what it means to be a storytelling animal and explains how stories can change the world for the better. We know we are master shapers of story. The Storytelling Animal finally reveals how stories shape us.
“This is a quite wonderful book. It grips the reader with both stories and stories about the telling of stories, then pulls it all together to explain why storytelling is a fundamental human instinct.”
–Edward O. Wilson
“Charms with anecdotes and examples . . . we have not left nor should we ever leave Neverland.”–Cleveland Plain Dealer
Publisher : Mariner Books; 1st edition (April 23, 2013)
Language : English
Paperback : 272 pages
ISBN-10 : 0544002342
ISBN-13 : 978-0544002340
Item Weight : 8 ounces
Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.69 x 8.25 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book engaging, entertaining, and accessible. They describe the writing quality as well-written, solid, and spontaneous. Readers describe the book as a fantastic, interesting, and lovely non-fiction read. They appreciate the great information and excellent explanation of story. Opinions are mixed on the pacing, with some finding it fast-paced and quick, while others say it’s slow.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
