午夜福利1000集合

PERHAPS it is not surprising that a man who has studied gossip should have a magpie鈥檚 eye for sparkling factoids and precious anecdotes. Evolutionary anthropologist Robin Dunbar鈥檚 new book is full of such gems. This is an eclectic collection of essays on humanity and evolution with something for everyone.

Dunbar explains, among other things, why monogamists need big brains, why it is worth buying a new suit for an interview, how to interpret an advert in a lonely hearts column, the perils of messing with evolution and, of course, how many friends one person needs (150 as it happens, aka 鈥淒unbar鈥檚 number鈥�). He speaks with authority and seduces us as only a master storyteller can.

This is a book to dip into whenever life seems dull or meaningless. Keep a copy in your bag or by the lavatory as an antidote to ennui.