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FOR SECOND NATURE: THE INNER LIVES OF ANIMALS “Balcombe’s use of the phrase 'imperialist view' signifies a key difference in his approach to writing about ethology from many others. Balcombe, an independent animal behavior research scientist, is a vegan and an animal rights campaigner. And here you have what makes Second Nature and his first book, Pleasurable Kingdom, distinctly different. Balcombe’s writings are a carefully crafted balance of academic rigor and empathic wisdom...” KimStallwood.com, March 30, 2010 | full review
FOR PLEASURABLE KINGDOM: ANIMALS AND THE NATURE OF FEELING GOOD “In this charming and persuasive book, Balcombe makes the case with eloquence and passion...” “…Daring… persuasive… engaging...” “Well-reasoned, engaging book...” “Reviews a vast body of scientific literature—full of examples both anecdotal and from refereed journals, and a copious bibliography...” “Extremely Thought Provoking” May 8, 2006 review. “Well written and pleasurably light...” May 1, 2006 review. May 1, 2006 review. “Brisk, erudite and enormously entertaining — an excellent, approachable introduction to the basic issues in animal behaviour...” March 13, 2006 review. |
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“By presenting evidence 'from both scientific study and anecdote, that the animal kingdom is rich in pleasure,' Balcombe balances a general philosophical look at the prevalence of pleasure among animals (he rejects the view that all behavior must be explained in terms of adaptation for survival) with detailed anecdotal evidence of how specific animals experience pleasure in play, food, sex, touching and love.”