Why the Reckless Survive

Melvin J. Konner. Penguin Books, $9.95 (320pp) ISBN 978-0-14-015289-0

Nigerian tribal elders react to Hamlet , brain surgery is discussed and the relationship between psychosis and creativity is considered in an effort to distinguish between cultural conventions and instinctive responses. ``Konner felicitously combines humor and a facility for viewing material in a wide perspective with the stuff of technology and biological science in these essays of unfailing interest,'' said PW. (July)

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