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Christopher Ryan: Sex at dawn (2010, Harper) 4 stars

"A controversial, idea-driven book that challenges everything you know about sex, marriage, family, and society"--Provided …

Review of 'Sex at dawn' on 'GoodReads'

5 stars

What did I think? What didn't I think. A well researched, it seems, (although I didn't hunt down the copious references) volume on polygamy.

For many the instinctive argument would be obvious by tell tale signs in our every day lives but to have some research unfolded into the specific relationship we have with that is well deserved - although not new, these studies into polygamy before agriculture are not findings that are revelatory to us through this book but it is a relevance that is both systematic and semantic and should be taken further. Moreover we should by now be seeking individual reference points to this material.

The overall colour of the book is to introduce the research in somewhat of a mix between opinion piece and well researched paper, although at times the 'asides' come across as Cosmopolitan Magazine editorial, I would have preferred something dryer than zippy elbows into my chest when observing apparent paradox or irony. I guess though this can be a good thing for those looking for some literary gusto and not subtle wit.

All in all if you are seeking some wisdom into Polygamy or Polyamory this is a worthwhile addition to the bookshelf. The sheer endurance of it should be enough to feast upon, and provide insight otherwise overlooked in all the other alternative sources of information about this topic, refreshing to have it compiled so vigilantly.