The Sexual Brain / Edition 1

by Simon LeVay

Overview

Written with the same clarity, directness, and humor that have made Simon LeVay one of the most popular lecturers at Harvard Medical School and at the University of California, San Diego, The Sexual Brain examines the biological roots of human sexual behavior. It puts forward the compelling case that the diversity of human sexual feelings and behavior can best be understood in terms of the development, structure, and function of the brain circuits that produce them. Discarding all preconceptions about the motivation and purpose of sexuality, LeVay discusses the scientific evidence bearing on such questions as why we are sexual animals, what the brain mechanisms are that produce sexual behavior, how these mechanisms differ between men and women and how these differences develop, and finally, what determines a person's sexual orientation: genes, prenatal events, family environment, or early sexual experiences?

The Sexual Brain is broad in scope, covering evolutionary theory, molecular genetics, endocrinology, brain structure and function, cognitive psychology, and development. It is unified by LeVay's thesis that human sexual behavior, in all its diversity, is rooted in biological mechanisms that can be explored by laboratory science. The book does not shy away from the complexities of the field, but it can be readily appreciated and enjoyed by anyone with an intelligent interest in sex.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780262620932
Publisher:	MIT Press
Publication date:	07/25/1994
Series:	Bradford Books Series
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 5.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Simon LeVay, whose 1991 paper published in Science, "A difference in hypothalamic structure between homosexual and heterosexual men," attracted worldwide scientific and public attention, is Associate Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Adjunct Professor of Biology at the University of California, San Diego. He is presently Chair of the Steering Committee of the Institute of Gay and Lesbian Education, West Hollywood, a new college for the gay and lesbian community in Southern California.

Editorial Reviews

In this slim and elegant volume, LeVay explores why we are sexual animals, what brain mechanisms produce sexual behavior and how they differ in men and women. He asks ‘What determines sexual orientation? Genes, events in the womb or nurture?' - a work of stunning scientific scholarship enhanced by gracious style and modesty.—Avodah K. Offit, Los Angeles Times—

From the Publisher

In this slim and elegant volume, LeVay explores why we are sexual animals, what brain mechanisms produce sexual behavior and how they differ in men and women. He asks 'What determines sexual orientation? Genes, events in the womb or nurture?' - a work of stunning scientific scholarship enhanced by gracious style and modesty.

Los Angeles Times - Avodah K. Offit

LeVay continues his controversial crusade to establish the biological basis of sexuality and, more specifically, of sexual preference. Drawing both on his background in biology and his experience with the gay community, he presents a nontechnical treatise on the evidence. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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