Primate patterns

This represents another early classic compilation of studies on primate behavior, appearing in 1972. The introductory chapter nicely lays out the basics regarding the study of primates, including taxonomy (the different types of primates, from prosimians to the Great Apes). It provides solid context for the remainder of the volume. The first full section focuses on field studies of primates and includes some of the early classic studies. A simple listing of chapter authors communicates to those interested in primate behavior that these are classics: Jane Goodall on chimpanzees; George Schaller on the mountain gorilla; Hall and DeVore on baboons; Dolhinow on the North Indian langur. The second part of the book explores a series of aspects of primate behavior. Here, we see chapters on social learning in monkeys, aggressive behavior in old world monkeys and apes, social communication in old world monkeys as well as gibbons, the aftereffects of play behavior, the evolution of primate behavior, and a concluding chapter pulling things together. I had not looked at this book in some time, and it was gratifying to reacquaint myself with this classic