Now a modern classic of popular science writing, Sperm wars is Robin Baker’s revolutionary thesis about sex. Evolution has programmed men to monopolise women, while women, without ever knowing they are doing it, seek the best genetic input on offer from potential sexual partners. He reveals the new facts of life: 10 per cent of children are not fathered by their ‘fathers’, less than 1 per cent of a man’s sperm is capable of fertilising anything, and a woman is far more likely to conceive through a casual fling than through sex with her regular partner.
Baker describes fictionalised scenes and then explains the science behind the actions to demonstrate how our everyday behaviour fits into a pattern of evolution.
First published to acclaim and controversy in 1996, Sperm Wars turned centuries-old biological assumptions on their head and is as relevant today as it ever was. Scientific research since first publication has proved Robin Baker absolutely right. A NEW UPDATED EDITION WAS PUBLISHED IN 2020.
His other non-fiction titles include Baby Wars, Sex in the Future and Fragile Science.
‘The most entertaining science book of the year.’ Sunday Times
‘Riveting.’ The Times
‘Fascinating.’ Daily Mail
‘A thought-provoking author who forces you to re-examine widely held beliefs.’ Desmond Morris
‘Baker explains genuinely complex situations with beguiling simplicity.’ Scotland on Sunday
Praise for BABY WARS:
‘This is seductive stuff, offering (apparently) logical answers to many questions about human behaviour.’ Claire Rayner
“A thought-provoking book directly thanks to Baker’s controversial theories. Moreover, this is a very entertaining read.” NO Nachrichten
‘In comparison to earlier approaches to behaviour research… Baker is refreshingly realistic… Above all, Baker’s book is of value as it strongly against the controversial idea that harmony exists everywhere in nature.’ Thomas Kramer, SPECTRUM
Sales
- Basic Books/Hachette UK & USA
- Boyabooks China (simplified)
- Rye-Field China (complex)
- JC Lattes France
- Litera International Romania
- Rebis Poland
- Alpina Russia
- Paloma Turkey
- Kawade Shobo Japan
Previously published, rights reverted, translations available:
- Record Brazil
- El Paradiso Estonia
- Issihia Misztikus Kozpont Hungary
- Jota Czech Republic
- Naklada Ljevak Croatia
- Ehak Korea
- Limes Verlag Germany (Bastei paperback)
Material: finished copies (375pp)