The Evolution of Beauty

Most people know the fundamentals of Darwin's theory of natural selection, but fewer are aware of his idea of sexual selection as a significant force of biological evolution and the concept of beauty. Narrator Dan Woren's clear diction and relaxed delivery reflect author Prum's evident passion for his subject. Woren increases listener accessibility to this fascinating account of the interconnections among avian mating rituals, the development of beautiful feathers, and the female choice of mates. Woren not only handles the Latin taxonomic terms and ably distinguishes quotations from narrative but he also never loses sight of the author's sense of humor and inherent curiosity. The audiobook concludes with a broader look at aesthetics, including the relevance of ornithological research for understanding human perceptions of beauty and sexual relationships. C.B.L. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine