A Primate's Memoir

A Neuroscientist’s Unconventional Life Among the Baboons

By: Robert Sapolsky

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

"I had never planned to become a savanna baboon when I grew up; instead, I had always assumed I would become a mountain gorilla," writes Robert Sapolsky in this witty and riveting chronicle of a scientist's coming-of-age in remote Africa. An exhilarating account of Sapolsky's twenty-one-year study of a troop of rambunctious baboons in Kenya, A Primate's Memoir interweaves serious scientific observations with wry commentary about the challenges and pleasures of living in the wilds of the Serengeti-for man and beast alike.

Over two decades, Sapolsky survives culinary atrocities, gunpoint encounters, and a surreal kidnapping, while witnessing the encroachment of the tourist mentality on the farthest vestiges of unspoiled Africa. As he conducts unprecedented physiological research on wild primates, he becomes ever more enamored of his subjects - unique and compelling characters in their own right - and he returns to them summer after summer, until tragedy finally prevents him. By turns hilarious and poignant, A Primate's Memoir is a magnum opus from one of our foremost science writers.

©2001 Robert M. Sapolsky (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Filled with cynicism and awe, passion and humor, this memoir is both an absorbing account of a young man's growing maturity and a tribute to the continent that, despite its troubles and extremes, held him in its thrall." ( Publishers Weekly, Starred Review)

"Mike Chamberlain narrates this work by primatologist Robert M. Sapolsky, who went to Kenya to study baboons. Chamberlain's lively, bemused tone communicates Sapolsky's down-to-earth approach and sense of humor. Sapolsky's writing is eminently approachable for the layperson, and the listener soon begins to feel acquainted with the various baboons in the troop and to see certain similarities between their behavior and those of the human world. Through the amusing moments and the trials and tribulations, Chamberlain's energetic narration provides a great complement to the author's quirky personality." ( AudioFile)

May listen to again.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Sapolsky has a way of telling a story that keeps the listener interested. He has a great sense of humor and sneaks little remarks. in that catch you off guard. He shows genuine compassion and concern for every member of the troop. It was enlightening to find how primates have distinct personalities. Their social interactions and structures are very similar to humans. I have listened to other books and lectures by The Great Courses the author and enjoyed them as well.
The narrator is one of the best that I have heard have been listening to recorded books for decades.

Brilliant!

I loved this book. It was funny and disturbing and enlightening. The narrator was good and I enjoyed listening.

Unexpectedly Satisfying

Highly recommend this. Quirky, immersive, and at no point was I bored, wanting to skip to the interesting bits. The author beautifully captures his experiences in Africa, and immerses you in them. He makes everything seem so relatable, and you even begin to feel emotionally invested in his baboons.

At first, I thought the narrator was not very good, but ultimately his deadpan narration fits this story like a glove!

Wonderful

I laughed, I cried, I lived every moment of this memoir. I feel like I was there with Dr Sapolsky observing and enjoying these creatures. What a great journey.

I loved this book

I laughed and cried, rewinded and listen to some chapters again.
Amazing book!
What a storyteller and what a story