This Simian World By: Clarence Day (1874-1935)
In "This Simian World" by Clarence Day, the author explores the peculiar and often humorous similarities between humans and their primate relatives. With wit and clever observations, Day presents a thought-provoking perspective on human behavior and society. Throughout the book, Day draws parallels between human actions and those of monkeys, highlighting the innate animalistic tendencies that persist in our everyday lives. From the mundane routines to complex social structures, he uncovers a myriad of situations in which we resemble our simian counterparts. One of the central themes of the book is the idea that despite our perceived sophistication as a species, our behavior is not as far removed from that of monkeys as we would like to believe. Day argues that the traits we often consider uniquely human, such as ambition, jealousy, and the drive for power, can be observed in other primates as well. These similarities serve as a reminder of our primitive origins and challenge the conventional assumptions about human exceptionalism. Day's writing style is witty and playful, infusing humor into his observations. His anecdotes and comparisons entertain the reader while also delivering insightful commentary on human nature. Through his humorous lens, he sheds light on our irrational behaviors, hypocrisy, and the arbitrary nature of societal norms. By juxtaposing the human world with that of monkeys, he reveals the absurdities and contradictions that permeate our existence. While the book is a satirical commentary on human society, it also prompts deeper reflection on our place within the natural world. Day invites readers to question their own actions and motivations, encouraging a more introspective understanding of ourselves and our connection to the animal kingdom. However, some readers may find the book's constant comparisons between humans and monkeys repetitive or its humor too heavy-handed. As the author continually highlights the similarities, there can be occasions where it feels like beating a dead horse. Additionally, readers looking for a more serious or profound exploration of the subject matter may be left wanting. Despite these minor criticisms, "This Simian World" skillfully blends humor and thought-provoking analysis. Day's clever observations on human behavior and his ability to highlight the absurdities in our actions make this book an entertaining and insightful read. Whether one agrees with all of Day's comparisons or not, it remains an engaging exploration of our shared simian origins and an invitation to reflect on our place in the world. First Page: ALSO BY CLARENCE DAY THE CROW'S NEST THOUGHTS WITHOUT WORDS GOD AND MY FATHER IN THE GREEN MOUNTAIN COUNTRY SCENES FROM THE MESOZOIC LIFE WITH FATHER THIS SIMIAN WORLD by CLARENCE DAY With Illustrations by the Author New York & London ALFRED·A·KNOPF 1936 COPYRIGHT 1920, BY CLARENCE DAY All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper. Published May 22, 1920 Reprinted Nine Times Eleventh Printing, March, 1936 Manufactured in the United States of America "How I hate the man who talks about the 'brute creation,' with an ugly emphasis on brute .... As for me, I am proud of my close kinship with other animals. I take a jealous pride in my Simian ancestry. I like to think that I was once a magnificent hairy fellow living in the trees, and that my frame has come down through geological time via sea jelly and worms and Amphioxus, Fish, Dinosaurs, and Apes. Who would exchange these for the pallid couple in the Garden of Eden?" W. N. P. BARBELLION. THIS SIMIAN WORLD ONE Last Sunday, Potter took me out driving along upper Broadway, where those long rows of tall new apartment houses were built a few years ago... Continue reading book >>

This Simian World By: Clarence Day (1874-1935)

In "This Simian World" by Clarence Day, the author explores the peculiar and often humorous similarities between humans and their primate relatives. With wit and clever observations, Day presents a thought-provoking perspective on human behavior and society.

Throughout the book, Day draws parallels between human actions and those of monkeys, highlighting the innate animalistic tendencies that persist in our everyday lives. From the mundane routines to complex social structures, he uncovers a myriad of situations in which we resemble our simian counterparts.

One of the central themes of the book is the idea that despite our perceived sophistication as a species, our behavior is not as far removed from that of monkeys as we would like to believe. Day argues that the traits we often consider uniquely human, such as ambition, jealousy, and the drive for power, can be observed in other primates as well. These similarities serve as a reminder of our primitive origins and challenge the conventional assumptions about human exceptionalism.

Day's writing style is witty and playful, infusing humor into his observations. His anecdotes and comparisons entertain the reader while also delivering insightful commentary on human nature. Through his humorous lens, he sheds light on our irrational behaviors, hypocrisy, and the arbitrary nature of societal norms. By juxtaposing the human world with that of monkeys, he reveals the absurdities and contradictions that permeate our existence.

While the book is a satirical commentary on human society, it also prompts deeper reflection on our place within the natural world. Day invites readers to question their own actions and motivations, encouraging a more introspective understanding of ourselves and our connection to the animal kingdom.

However, some readers may find the book's constant comparisons between humans and monkeys repetitive or its humor too heavy-handed. As the author continually highlights the similarities, there can be occasions where it feels like beating a dead horse. Additionally, readers looking for a more serious or profound exploration of the subject matter may be left wanting.

Despite these minor criticisms, "This Simian World" skillfully blends humor and thought-provoking analysis. Day's clever observations on human behavior and his ability to highlight the absurdities in our actions make this book an entertaining and insightful read. Whether one agrees with all of Day's comparisons or not, it remains an engaging exploration of our shared simian origins and an invitation to reflect on our place in the world.

First Page:

ALSO BY CLARENCE DAY

THE CROW'S NEST THOUGHTS WITHOUT WORDS GOD AND MY FATHER IN THE GREEN MOUNTAIN COUNTRY SCENES FROM THE MESOZOIC LIFE WITH FATHER

THIS SIMIAN WORLD

CLARENCE DAY

With Illustrations by the Author

New York & London ALFRED·A·KNOPF 1936

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper.

Published May 22, 1920 Reprinted Nine Times Eleventh Printing, March, 1936

Manufactured in the United States of America

"How I hate the man who talks about the 'brute creation,' with an ugly emphasis on brute .... As for me, I am proud of my close kinship with other animals. I take a jealous pride in my Simian ancestry. I like to think that I was once a magnificent hairy fellow living in the trees, and that my frame has come down through geological time via sea jelly and worms and Amphioxus, Fish, Dinosaurs, and Apes. Who would exchange these for the pallid couple in the Garden of Eden?"

W. N. P. BARBELLION.

THIS SIMIAN WORLD

ONE

Last Sunday, Potter took me out driving along upper Broadway, where those long rows of tall new apartment houses were built a few years ago... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Humor
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Clarence Day
Wikipedia – This Simian World

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac