Behind The Mirror: A Search for a Natural History of Human Knowledge (Paperback)

by Konrad Lorenz (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Lorenz examines the nature of human thought and intelligence and attributes the problems of modern civilization largely to the limitations.

Language Notes
Text: English, German (translation)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 261 pages
• Publisher: Harvest Books (September 11, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0156117762
• ISBN-13: 978-0156117760
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #486,483 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential! Order this book so it gets back in print soon!, February 19, 2001

By	Ralph-Michael (Seoul, South Korea) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Behind the mirror: A search for a natural history of human knowledge

Konrad Lorenz hasn't recieved the praise his mind deserves. All political leanings aside--he had a nobel prize awarded and revoked--he is a brilliant thinker with essential theories on zoology and the meaning of life. This book outlines some of his early work with animal behavior. His work with ducks and geese and imprinting is phenomenal. It's amazing how thorough this man studied so many different creatures. And what's more is he never interfered with their habitats, he only observed what they would do without human tampering. In some ways he was an early conservationist and environmentalist.

To understand the implications of animal behavior for our own lives and what it means to the way we think, act and are, you must read this book. Lorenz should be up there right under Darwin in importance.

Unfortunately, this book is hard to find. I have a very old copy that I am lucky to find. Here I see it says that it's out of print. Please order this book. You will not be let down. And meanwhile you will help create demand for a book that should be on the shelves of all the bookstores both cyber and corporeal.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book (Nobel Prize not revoked), August 12, 2007

By	noman (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

A great book by a great writer. however Konrad Lorenz Nobel Prize was never revoked. The prize can not be revoked. (www.aftenposten.no/english/world/article327396.ece) This is an urban legend.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely brilliant, June 11, 2006

By	M. Denny "The Adventure continues" (Hermosa Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been a great admirer of Konrad Lorenz's works for many years and this book is one of his finest.

Some of his works are written more for the lay audience and are full of wonderful animal stories. Some are more scientific-- and when tranlated from the rigorous scientific German in which they were written-- are not quick and easy reads. That said, the reader who is willing to engage with the great intellect on display here will be greatly rewarded.

PS: Regarding the prior review, I did not know his Nobel was revoked. What was the reason?