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The Territorial Imperative: A Personal Inquiry into the Animal Origins of Property and Nations (Robert Ardrey's Nature of Man Series) Paperback – September 2, 2014

by Robert Ardrey (Author), Berdine Ardrey (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 75 ratings
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A territory is an area of space which an animal guards as its exclusive possession and which it will defend against all members of its kind. In this revolutionary book Robert Ardrey takes a concept familiar to every biologist, brings together for the first time a fair sampling of all scientific observations of this form of behavior, and demonstrates that man obeys the same laws as does many other animal species. With African Genesis Mr Ardrey stirred up enough storm to last an author, one would think, for a lifetime. In The Territorial Imperative, however, he explores more deeply and incisively man’s evolutionary nature and threatens even more forcefully some of our most precious assumptions. In a time when we attribute to man either no instincts at all, or instincts too weak to be of significance, Mr Ardrey’s conclusions concerning the instinctual force exerted on human life by territory will undoubtedly raise an even greater storm. The author concludes, for example, that a common cause for war lies in our ignorance of man’s animal nature - in particular, in the aggressor’s ignorance of the enormous animal energies which his intrusion will release in a seemingly weak territorial defender. In a quite different vein, he concludes that family loyalty and responsibility, in men no less than in gibbons or beavers or robins, rests on joint attachment to a private territory. Perhaps the author’s most far-reaching, most controversial conclusion is that morality - our willingness to make personal sacrifice for interests larger than ourselves - has its origins in dim evolutionary beginnings, is as essential to the life of the animal as to the lives of men, and could probably not exist in the human species without property either privately or jointly defended and the ultimate command of the territorial imperative. Like its predecessor, The Territorial Imperative is a work of wit, of literary wealth, of high adventure. Again the author draws on his inexhaustible knowledge of animal ways, and again his wife presents her intriguing sketches of animal life. But this time Mr Ardrey takes his readers on far deeper excursions into the ancient animal world, and on far deeper penetrations of the contemporary human wilderness. While evolutionary science has advanced markedly since Ardrey's times, his insights on human behavior have a timeless quality and The Territorial Imperative remains a classic reference for anyone wishing to begin an adventure exploring life's biggest questions. Praise for the 1966 edition: “One of the most exciting books about the nature of man that has ever been presented.” - Newsday “Robert Ardrey’s vision of man’s future is as hopeful as any doctrinaire utopian’s, and, in my opinion, a good deal more interesting… He ranks as the lyric poet of human evolution, a superb writer with a special vision.” - E. O. Wilson “One of the most intellectually exciting books of humanized sciences we have ever recommended in the Club’s long history, a fascinating inquiry into the nature of the human animal, and an invaluable, as well as beautifully written, treatise on recent extensions of the boundaries of the biological sciences.” - Clifton Fadiman, Book-of-the-Month Club News “This is a fascinating, stimulating, fruitful, thought-provoking, and irritating book.” - Dr Abraham Maslow, Department of Psychology, Brandeis University “Few books are as fresh in concept, lively in style, and potentially important in understanding human behavior.” - Wall Street Journal “Ardrey belongs to the long and distinguished tradition of first-rate scientific amateurs… the love of science, especially biological science, animates every page.” - The New Yorker
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  1. Book 2 of 4
    Robert Ardrey's Nature of Man series
  2. Print length
    324 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 2, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.81 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0988604310
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0988604315
  8. See all details
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The Social Contract: A Personal Inquiry into the Evolutionary Sources of Order and Disorder (Robert Ardrey's Nature of Man Se
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ StoryDesign LTD (September 2, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 324 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0988604310
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0988604315
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.81 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 75 ratings

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Robert Ardrey

Robert Ardrey

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Robert Ardrey was that rarity in Hollywood, a writer who beat Hollywood and its producers, moguls, and stars at their own game of amassing power, wealth, and respect. Equally comfortable dealing with literary editors such as Bennett Cerf or moguls like Darryl F. Zanuck, he also retained his credibility in the intellectual realm by authoring texts on anthropology, history, and sociology that remain widely respected decades after their publication.

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More information on Robert Ardrey is available at www.robertardrey.com

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
75 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

GT Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars Imperatives From Animal to Human
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2009
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In a lifetime of reading only a few books have challenged, enlightened and stirred up my brain cells as effectively as Robert Ardrey's The Territorial Imperative. The Territorial Imperative: A Personal Inquiry into the Animal Origins of Property and Nations (Kodansha Globe)
With skill and humor Ardrey leads us through terrain which is very serious indeed: the orgins of human behavior. If we ignore or are unaware of our behavioral links to the animal kingdom we miss one of the more profound understandings of what it means to be human.

Through his observation of animals the author demonstrates the three absolute needs required, not only by animals and their communities, but required as well by us as individuals and as community members. The three are identity, stimulation and secuity. For me,Ardrey's case is persuasive and I shall always consider this work a classic. I hope many others will as well.
16 people found this helpful
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kNOwBS
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Intelligent read, as was African Genesis
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2020
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It may be a too intelligent read, though Ardrey being a playwright helps make it more personable. You should always be aiming high, and Ardrey's Nature series aims high with what made us what we are: curiosity.
3 people found this helpful
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Kenneth G. Ramey
4.0 out of 5 stars Ardrey's book is an eye-opener for those willing to see
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2001
My book is the 1966 edition by Atheneum. The theme is devoted to the right of an animal to its territory, and expresses the interesting fact that the possessor is usually the victor if and when confronted with an intruder. After reading Ardrey's work, I have watched with interest my 17 pound bundle of fluff, chase a much larger dog from our property. It was no contest. Just as the one knows his rights and the bounds within which they can be excercised, so too, does the other realize that, as an intruder, he has no right to contest that right. One needs to keep in mind that man is no less an animal than those studied by Ardrey who, although his writing is good, tends to be a bit tedious until he gets to the point of his discussion; namely, that man is no less territorial than lesser beasts. Within certain social groups this truth is more revelent than in others. Immigrants to the U.S. stake out their "turf," as they say, and woe be to the trespasser, not a few of whom have been killed. Readers who take seriously what Ardrey reveals should be able to point to areas on earth where his thesis is in full bloom, and is the cause of considerable consternation and death. I would rate the book five-star were it not that it takes awhile for the casual reader to appreicate what is being written. It is a work which every Secretary of State should read and discuss with the President and membes of his cabinet before allowing the United States to become actively involved in national affairs, which is not to suggest that the U.S. should remain aloof from affairs that deal with decency and terrirotial righteousness.
29 people found this helpful
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Allan T. Mallory
5.0 out of 5 stars Territorial Imperative,Robert Ardrey
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2019
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This is not a Book for everybody, but it is exceptional.Closed minded people will have a difficult time with this book.Most of all people must understand Humans are Animals! The biggest problem with this book is most people can not comprehend it’s content.
7 people found this helpful
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Paul H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very thought provoking
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2019
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Man's territorial shines a light of explanation on many of his behaviors: sports teams, local loyalties, war etc. Ardrey's intern amity and external hostility provides an analytical framework of perspective that I value.
4 people found this helpful
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Beej
5.0 out of 5 stars Everything is about TERRITORY.
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2020
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The Territorial Imperative is the most important book ever written about all living things.
One person found this helpful
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Susanne Prodehl Forst
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting concepts for the ‘60.
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2018
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My second reading. First reading was in the ‘60s. I’d like to read something similar but more timely. I question what impact current research findings have had on Ardrey’s conclusions.
2 people found this helpful
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James S. Kelley
1.0 out of 5 stars Read the reviews,skip the book
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2011
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Someone deeply interested in the field may enjoy this book for its detail and historical notations. For others it simply asserts the importance of territory in animal behavior and,by extension, in human behavior. For others the science is dated,the text obscure. There are no aids for the reader: no summaries, no graphs, no confidence intervals, no boxes for emphasis, only the title. There may be three different species mentioned on one page. There are scattered interesting observations, but,after fifty years are the observations still valid? Buried in chapter eight are personal observations on the politics of the Middle East. Israel requires arab opposition to prevent internal conflict. A common observation now, perhaps more original in 1960. A meandering text which will please only those interested in the history of animal behavior.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Francis
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 15, 2022
Verified Purchase
Another for re-reading.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars An anthropological perspective on the human condition.
Reviewed in Australia on January 23, 2024
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A spectacular appraisal of human evolution and behaviour viewed from an anthropological perspective. The subject matter is as relevant today in 2024 as it was when written in the 1960's. Highlighting the underlying principles that govern individual, small group and large group
behaviours (pertinent to regional, national and international relationships) it would not come amiss as compulsory reading for all politicians.
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EDB
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 16, 2015
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Excellent
One person found this helpful
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