Thomas Wynn (2) (1949–)

This could've been a much more interesting book if the authors hadn't insisted on leaving out claims they couldn't solidly bolster with evidence. If only they'd been willing to throw caution to the wind and toss out their pesky espousal of moderation. Always taking the conservative view and painting the likeliest picture rather than the most astounding possibility, this book offers a sound-minded idea of what the prospects of a transplanted Neandertal would be in the modern world. They touch on such topics as empathy, problem-solving, innovation and even sense of humor and dreaming. As evidence they take the archaeological record and comparative studies of ourselves and our nearest primate relatives, attempting to synthesize this information into a best guess with healthy reservation. As it turns out, a Neandertal would make a great modern-day doctor. Find out why.… (mere)