Sex at Dawn

How We Mate, Why We Stray, and What It Means for Modern Relationships

By: Christopher Ryan, Cacilda Jetha

Narrated by: Allyson Johnson, Jonathan Davis, Christopher Ryan (Preface)

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

Since Darwin's day, we've been told that sexual monogamy comes naturally to our species. Mainstream science - as well as religious and cultural institutions - has maintained that men and women evolved in families in which a man's possessions and protection were exchanged for a woman's fertility and fidelity. But this narrative is collapsing. Fewer and fewer couples are getting married, and divorce rates keep climbing as adultery and flagging libido drag down even seemingly solid marriages.

How can reality be reconciled with the accepted narrative? It can't be, according to renegade thinkers Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha. While debunking almost everything we "know" about sex, they offer a bold alternative explanation in this provocative and brilliant book.

Ryan and Jetha's central contention is that human beings evolved in egalitarian groups that shared food, child care, and, often, sexual partners. Weaving together convergent, frequently overlooked evidence from anthropology, archaeology, primatology, anatomy, and psychosexuality, the authors show how far from human nature monogamy really is. Human beings everywhere and in every era have confronted the same familiar, intimate situations in surprisingly different ways. The authors expose the ancient roots of human sexuality while pointing toward a more optimistic future illuminated by our innate capacities for love, cooperation, and generosity.

BONUS AUDIO: Includes a Preface written and read by author Christopher Ryan.

©2010 Christopher Ryan, Cacilda Jetha (P)2010 Audible, Inc

Critic reviews

"A surprisingly non-titillating book about sex among prehistoric people makes for a terrific audio adaptation...With their straightforward approach, the narrators show professionalism and authority in this anthropological discussion of sex." ( AudioFile)

“ Sex at Dawn is the single most important book about human sexuality since Alfred Kinsey unleashed Sexual Behavior in the Human Male on the American public in 1948.” (Dan Savage)

"My favorite book of 2010...it's the only book I read this year that proved that I was badly mistaken about something." (Peter Sagal, host of NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!)

A alternative, objective view of human sexuality

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book gives a nice alternative and objective view to human sexuality and why cultural and religious barriers are destroying friendships and families.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The civilizations that did not have our current cultural restrictions forced on them and those that are doing their best to preserve something truly human rather than something made for mass consumption.

Which scene was your favorite?

Where it was told that the marriage structure we know is, in reality, but an illusion made by people who wants nothing more that power, humanity be damned.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

How other culture kept themselves in control by sharing everything, including responsibility , obligations and each other. Something many in modern societies shamely lacks.

Any additional comments?

Must read for everyone who wants to understand their sexuality and maybe find clues to help with their current relationships. It may also help current families by giving possibilities to help each other without sacrificing the family while at the same time remain true to your nature and also to your partner. Should also be a must read at sex education classes.

Human sexuality finally unravelled: Breathtaking!

I've already listened to this book twice because I found its thesis so liberating. As a scientist I pursue deeper understanding of nature. When you get it right, everything falls into place and makes sense. I felt that happening as I listened to this book. What we assume about the relationship between men and women was wrong before: 180 degrees wrong! The authors are right about the real nature of our sexuality. Listen to this book and liberate yourself from the failed paradigms foisted on us generation after generation.

Scientific and historic perspective on sexuality

Purchased this book as a $4.95 deal. It's a genre I wouldn't have normally read, but as a new Audible customer, I have enjoyed exploring something new. The narrators are a man and woman, which makes the story telling more interesting, and even humorous. I've been nicely surprised with this book!

Paradigm Shifter

After listening to this book, I feel affirmed in my decision to undertake a polygynous lifestyle.

Mind changing information!

Great tone for narrative and clear voice.
Information everyone should know in my opinion, specially women.

Extremely Interesting

What did you love best about Sex at Dawn?

Explains reasons that our culture is suffering.

Any additional comments?

I learned quite a bit, not only were my thinking, and or feelings wrong, but quite natural. Also that it does take tribe to raise a child. As well as the changes in culture when we began farming.

Big Honking Yes!

This book was absolutely amazing. It really stirs the pot, providing fresh new perspectives on human sexuality and its evolution, alternative lifestyles, and relationship dynamics. Definitely a must read!

A must read/listen.

A masterful recount of what makes us who we are. literally and figuratively. This delve into prehistoric and the modern sexuality of man is an eye opening and fulfilling narrative brings to light and explains the importance of our sexual natures.

Very insightful

I found this book to be a well-written collection of facts and anecdotes regarding this puzzling and head-scratching dynamic humankind has been dealing with since the dawn of time

Loved it!

I’ll likely listen to this one again.....so much information! It was great to be reminded of so many forgotten facts and many new ones! Definitely for the curious mind’