Evolution Man, Or, How I Ate My Father

This one of those books that I had not even heard of, let alone thought about reading, but I saw it recommended by the late Terry Pratchett, which was a good enough endorsement for me.Evolution Man was first published in 1960, written by Roy Lewis.It is a story of a small tribe of cavemen slowly making progress in the world as they develop and learn to use tool, make fire and weapons. Of course, this probably did not happen as quickly as it does in the narrative, but that is all part of the charm of the book.The cavemen you see, all speak with a vernacular that is scientifically correct, it feels as though they are modern people living in a caveman setting, all being given modern names – Griselda and Oswald and coming to terms with life around them and the changes that are being implemented.I have seen a few reviews of the book where they rate it badly claiming it is totally inaccurate, which is the point. It is a comedy, but as with good comedy (like Pratchett) there is a subtext and depth beneath it more than a quick laugh.I would not say it is as funny as Sir Terry, but it has its moments, Uncle Vanya being a particular favourite of mine.The main thrust of the story is of the tribe’s leader, the father of the narrator, a forward thinker who see only the benefits and advantages of moving out of the trees and into caves, to create tools that are better and better allowing things to be easier. (Uncle Vanya is the opposite thinking that man should never have left the trees).Through his experimentation and invention, we get to see the world changing around them, the germination of modern ideas. The road to civilisation is not an easy one and there are some mistakes made along the way, but as a whole it is an amusing and well told story.The end is quite a surprise when it comes, as with all the changes and advancements made, there is the stunning reminder that despite the way they have been presented these proto-men are still primitive with primitive ideas and customs. Perhaps a little shocking, it works well.A good book, with interesting ideas and themes and some funny moments.

Been trying to get hold of this book for a while so very pleased to find it. Seller has a comprehensive stock of books (this particular one has been out of print for a while) so worth a look if you're after something particular. Efficient delivery given the current circumstances and that it came from the US. Arrived in excellent condition. A particularly nice touch was that although this pre-owned book came from the US, in the pages was a paper bookmark from another book shop in Canada,therefore it's been on a bit of an adventure over the course of its life - this sort of small detail makes a book geek like me very happy! Happy to recommend this seller.

Just not as funny as I hoped it would be. Amusing enough but very dated!

I read this book for a reading group. It is not the sort of book I would automatically be drawn to and my first thought after reading twenty pages or so was "thank goodness it is short!" However, after reading more, I found myself admiring Roy Lewis's dry wit and his use of word play and was very amused to be reading such erudite language coming from the mouths of pre-historic man, at a time when there was no written word at all. The characterisation is very stereotyped but it is quite a feat to encompass the whole of society within the confines of one family. The reading group discussion brought together diverse opinions so the book was not universally liked or disliked. Isn't that the point of a group? To introduce you to works you would not normally choose? I would say read it and draw your own conclusions.

This book is a delight, as it allows you to travel through prehistoric time, with a light hearted approach to our ancestors.Delivery time is fast, so order now with confidence.

Totally concur.....and ,had I read itin the Sixties when I was reading a lot of Sci-Fi- would have really enjoyed it then as at that point ot would have been quite 'ahead of it's time'. Certainly worth a read-and quite a romp.....and might perhaps provide (for those who haven't already paused to wonder what's been going on) some food f0r thought

This is a wonderfully funny look at humans evolvement from cavemen. I found some of the humour very subtle and other parts laugh out loud.

Recommended by Terry Pratchett. Husband is a fan of Terry so I thought it was worth trying and he really enjoyed it.