Customer Reviews

The Evolution of the Human Head

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For many years now, Professor Lieberman has been bringing out some of the most insightful papers I have read in anthropology.

In the field of human biomechanics, a field in which I am very well versed, it acts as a constant source of inspiration and bemusement that we should have to wait for a professor of evolutionary biology to explain how and why the human body functions as it does; while biomechanists the world over get caught (in the main) in reductionist, often impractical, non-applicable studies.

Despite the bemusement, it comes as no surprise to me that such insight should arise from the world of anthropology; as to understand how the human body should function, it is imperative to understand how, and for what, it was built. Lieberman offers such insights with spectacular clarity and humility.

The depth and breadth of the materials covered, yet all in a highly readable and understandable way - even for the casual reader, is testament to Lieberman's wealth of knowledge and unique ability to convey that knowledge. I learned quickly, about a decade ago, that if there is a paper (or book) with Lieberman's name on it, it is worth paying attention to.

The book itself delves not just into the human head but, necessarily, discusses diet, hunting, gait, TMJ (jaw joint) function, vestibular function and a lot more besides; all in an insightful and highly readable style.

I strongly recommend this book to any student of anthropology, evolutionary biology, or serious student of human movement and function.

A tour de force! Beautifully written, it covers everything science knows about the subject, contains detailed comparisons with other primates, especially our nearest cousins, and speculation about what Dr. Lieberman believes we will learn in time.
Harry Phillips
Regent, University of the State of New York.