*** RECOMMENDED AS ONE OF THE TIMES' BEST SCIENCE BOOKS OF 2021 'With all the talk about
testosterone in sex sports and politics we need a good explanation of the science and its
implications and this one is outstanding.' STEVEN PINKER bestselling author of The Blank
Slate 'There are whole books written about the idea that behavioural sex differences are a
societal construct and how a male hormone we know influences animal behaviour somehow doesn't
influence us. Hooven's book is a riposte to that silliness - and also a defence of a hormone
that isn't just about aggression.' TOM WHIPPLE THE TIMES BEST SCIENCE BOOKS OF 2021
'Fascinating vital unputdownable.' JULIE BINDEL 'The definitive book on testosterone . . . A
brave and significant book . . . simply fascinating and filled with extraordinary facts.'
EVENING STANDARD 'Testosterone does what all superb popular science must do: it entertains as
it educates.' THE WALL STREET JOURNAL Through riveting personal stories and the latest
research Harvard evolutionary biologist Carole Hooven shows how testosterone drives the
behaviour of the sexes apart and how understanding the science behind this hormone is
empowering for all. The biological source of masculinity has inspired fascination
investigation and controversy since antiquity. From the eunuchs in the royal courts of ancient
China to the booming market for 'elixirs' of youth in nineteenth-century Europe humans have
been obsessed with identifying and manipulating what we now know as testosterone. And the trend
shows no signs of slowing down. Thanks to this history and the methods of modern science today
we have a rich body of research about testosterone's effects in both men and women. The
science is clear: testosterone is a major invisible player in our relationships sex lives
athletic abilities childhood play gender transitions parenting roles violent crime and so
much more. But there is still a lot of pushback to the idea that it does in fact contribute
to sex differences and significantly influence behaviour. Hooven argues that acknowledging
testosterone as a potent force in society doesn't reinforce stifling gender norms or
patriarchal values. Testosterone and evolution work together to produce a huge variety of human
behaviour and that includes a multitude of ways to be masculine and feminine. Understanding
the science sheds light on how we work and relate to one another how we express anger and love
and how we fight bias and problematic behaviour to build a fairer society. 'One of the most
compelling books on human behaviour I've ever read. Testosterone is a scientific mystery story
told with insight intelligence and panache.' DANIEL GILBERT Edgar Pierce Professor of
Psychology Harvard University and author of Stumbling on Happiness 'Hooven makes a
compelling case that testosterone is a powerful influence on our bodies and brains. As
Testosterone argues it's hard to make a start on [...] social improvements if we don't fully
understand why things are the way they are. Clear-eyed books like this which mercifully avoid
culture-war partisanship are a great start on that quest.' THE TIMES 'Science writing at its
best: intriguing personal bold persuasive and most importantly transparent. Her gripping
account will fascinate whether you're a teenager in the throes of puberty or are just curious
about the nature of sex and gender - one of the most important debates of our time.' RICHARD
WRANGHAM author of The Goodness Paradox 'A fascinating brave and brilliant book - the best
I've read on the topic.' STEVE STEWART-WILLIAMS author of The Ape that Understood the Universe
'A superb and engaging book that delivers the unfiltered truth about testosterone sex and sex
differences told with clarity and compassion.' DANIEL E. LIEBERMAN author of Exercised 'With
wit and warmth Hooven lucidly lays out a formidable scientific case for how and why the sexes
are different. Boldly confronting contemporary gender issues Testosterone speaks directly to
why getting human nature right matters for making the world a better place.' JOE HENRICH
professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and author of The Secret of Our
Success 'An approachable introduction to an often misunderstood aspect of human biology.'
Publishers Weekly 'Carole Hooven's account ... is subtle nuanced and written with the sure
touch of a natural storyteller ...Her commitment to science - to good science - is resolute.'
LUKE SLATTERY WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN
