A Primate's Memoir

A Primate's Memoir offers an enthralling journey through the life of Robert M. Sapolsky, who spent twenty-one years in an isolated part of Kenya with a troop of Savannah baboons. As a young Brooklyn native, Sapolsky dreamed of immersing himself in the world of primates, teaching himself Swahili and writing to prominent primatologists in preparation for his ultimate goal. At just twenty-one, he embarks on his adventure to Africa, only to find that the raw and untamed landscape starkly contrasts with the idyllic serenity he once imagined in the natural history museum diorama.

This engaging narrative spans Sapolsky's remarkable and often humorous efforts to earn the trust and friendship of the baboons. Isolated in the Serengeti without modern conveniences like electricity, running water, or telephones, he encounters an array of challenges that include local scams, questionable culinary encounters, and even a bizarre kidnapping. Despite these hardships, Sapolsky's bond with his primate companions deepens as he returns to them year after year.

Sapolsky's talent for storytelling shines as he vividly describes each baboon's personality, painting a compelling and affectionate portrait of his primate family. His experiences are not without tragedy, but they are also filled with moments of exhilaration, humour, and poignant reflection, encapsulating the essence of his life's work.

Renowned for his ability to transition complex scientific concepts into relatable narratives, Sapolsky brings to life the intertwining worlds of humans and primates, offering readers a fascinating look at behavioural biology. This memoir not only highlights the author's scientific acumen but also underscores the universal themes of curiosity, resilience, and the quest for understanding.

Praised by peers and critics alike, Oliver Sacks lauds him as 'one of the best scientist-writers of our time,' while the New York Times Review of Books equates A Primate's Memoir to an Iliad of the baboon world. It's an exhilarating, hilarious, and poignant read—an unmissable window into the coming-of-age story of one of our greatest scientific minds.