The Domesticated Brain: A Pelican Introduction (Pelican Books)

Acknowledgements

This is my third popular-science book and it does not get any easier. I am lucky to have the best agent in Robert Kirby. He really is the best, as he won a prize to say so. Robert’s unfailing support and enthusiasm make me want to call him up all the time just to hear his reassuring voice of wisdom. Thank you also to my editor, Laura Stickney, who gave me the freedom to write the book I needed to. I hope it helps to put Pelican back where it belongs in the hearts and minds of the general public.

The ideas in this book are very much influenced by many other scholars from whom I have borrowed liberally. However, special mention should be made of a number of them, including Paul Bloom, Brian Hare, Philippe Rochat and especially Michael Tomasello, whose work on cooperation can be found throughout the text. I am particularly indebted to Cristine Legare, who not only read the whole book but provided invaluable guidance and recommendations. I also need to thank my students and colleagues who have read sections or given me food for thought. These include Sara Baker, Shiri Einav, Iain Gilchrist, Nathalia Gjersoe, Kiley Hamlin, Pat Kanngieser, Kate Longstaffe, Marcus Munafo, Laurie Santos and Sandra Weltzien. Of course, my writing would not be possible without the support of my long-suffering family, who have had to put up with my unreasonable behaviour over the years.

This book is dedicated to my mother, Loyale Hood, who domesticated me, or at least made a good attempt at it. Thank you, mum.