- Paperback: 318 pages
- Publisher: OUP USA; New Ed edition (29 Feb 1996)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 019510109X
- ISBN-13: 978-0195101096
- Product Dimensions: 20.5 x 13.7 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 944,828 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Review
... the book represents high-quality journalism - rich details, smooth writing, and general accuracy.... (Nature )
A brilliant and unblinking look at one of the most disturbing issues of the 1990s, penned by one of the nation's most distinguished science journalists. (Keay Davidson, Science Writer, San Francisco Examiner, and co-author of Wrinkles in Time )
The Monkey Wars will make you see the whole question of animal research - and much that has been done in the name of science - quite differently. (Business Week )
A brilliant and unblinking look at one of the most disturbing issues of the 1990s, penned by one of the nation's most distinguished science journalists. (Keay Davidson, Science Writer, San Francisco Examiner, and co-author of Wrinkles in Time )
The Monkey Wars will make you see the whole question of animal research - and much that has been done in the name of science - quite differently. (Business Week )
Business Week
`The Monkey Wars will make you see the whole question of animal research - and much that has been done in the name of science - quite differently.'
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was extremely easy to read, informative without being too bogged down in 'science' and it was certainly thought provoking. Blum allows you to come to your own decisions about the rights and wrongs with regard to testing on primates and has obviously spent alot of time with the likes of Roger Fouts et al. She has also interview many advocates for primate testing and although no-one will persuade me that it is ethically, morally or scientifically sound to use any primate as a model for humans, it was interesting to hear the scientists' views and their defences. She tackles the AIDS and polio research with startling theories. Very thought provoking. I loved it.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5 reviews
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
a generally even-handed treatment
11 Jun 2001
Format:Paperback
Overall, an excellent book. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. My only complaint is that the author might a bit too uncritically accept vivisectors' claims about the human payoffs of their research. Near the end she does briefly discuss some of the failures of animal research and the cost that has been paid in terms of human suffering and death, but much of her earlier discussion is not informated by the latter.
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
well-balanced and makes an important statement
24 April 2002
Format:Hardcover
Whatever side of the vivisection debate you are on, this book is worth reading and paying attention to. "The Monkey Wars" calls attention to the need for discussion and understanding between researchers and animal-rights activists - something that is rarely happening. Intolerance, she shows, is leading to much suffering - both human and animal - and it is rife among both communities.
The idea that scientists who experiment on animals are all foaming-at-the-mouth maniacs, cackling and eager to cause suffering with their array of sharp instruments may occasionally be nearly true (see the sections on Harry Harlow). But Blum's book says that the majority of vivisectionists are dedicated to working for the good of people - at the cost of other animals (in this case, non-human primates). They believe this is fully acceptable - humans take priority and we must do what we can to help our own. Here lies the real debate - what gives us the right to inflict this suffering on these animals for the 'good' of mankind? What makes it acceptable? And how much good does it really do us, anyway?
Animal rights activists generally think it's NOT accaptable, and many doubt that much of it has any merit after all (see the chapter on baboon-human organ transplants). They (we) have a horrible reputation amongst researchers, so much so that at the first mention of 'animal rights' causes many of these people to close their ears and eyes and hum a silly tune until it's all over. While there HAVE been cases of pointless destruction and horrible threats to researchers in 'defense' of lab animals, the majority of animal activists are peaceful, reasonable people who want to ease suffering - including that of humans - not cause more.
Through a series of articles about and interviews with a whole spectrum of people involved, Blum shows us both sides of this sometimes hopeless 'debate' - and she does show us some hope as well. There are people on either side of the fence willing to listen and work with those who may not see things in exactly the same light. What's important, "The Monkey Wars" shows, is that we all be willing to listen to and consider others' arguments before making assumptions about the intentions of 'the other side'. This may not solve the entire debate and wipe out all suffering on earth - but it's a step in the right direction.
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Communication is Key for the Monkey
17 Jun 2000
Format:Paperback
This book is an invaluable learning tool and reference source for anyone interested in helping primates used in research,or hoping to eventually eliminate their use. Blum makes it clear that not all primate researchers are monsters (though some are!) and that vilification of, rather than communicaton with "the other side" can hinder progress towards a kinder medical world.
I write from an animal advocacy perspective. I believe, however, that Blum makes a similar point to those who support research - she helps to dispel the myth that all animal advocates are unreasonable fanatics.
Yes, her book was hard to read in one or two places; I found the descriptions of repetitive, superfluous, studies on infant abuse particularly upsetting. But they are important for animal advocates to know about. For the most part, however, The Monkey Wars read like a fascinating scientific novel. I couldn't put it down.
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