Desmond Morris

From Open Encyclopedia

Dr Desmond Morris (born 24 January 1928 in the village of Purton, UK) is most famous for his work as a zoologist and ethologist. He first came to attention in the 1960s as a presenter of ITV television's Zoo Time. His studies focus on animal and human behaviour, explained from a zoological point of view. He has written a number of books and produced a number of television shows. His examination of humans from a bluntly zoological point of view has attracted controversy. Although he is a sociobiologist himself, many others in the field consider Morris to be something of a pseudoscientist, or merely a populariser.

In addition to his scientific pursuits, he is an artist in the Surrealist tradition. Morris has contributed significantly to the British Surrealist movement. He had his first solo show in 1948, and has shown regularly ever since.

In 1951 having obtained a First Class Honours Degree in Zoology from Birmingham University he begins research for his doctorate in animal behaviour at Oxford

In 1954 he was awarded a D.Phil from Oxford University for his doctoral thesis on the Reproductive Behaviour of the Ten-spined Stickleback.

In 1957 he curated an exhibition of chimpanzee paintings and drawings at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, including paintings by a young chimpanzee called Congo. Pablo Picasso indicated his support for Morris and the ape by biting a reporter who suggested to him that the chimp's work was not art. Picasso is reported to have purchased a painting by Congo.

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Selected books

The Mammals A Guide to the Living Species (1965) – a comprehensive listing of all mammal genera, all non-rodent non-bat species, and additional information on select species.
The Naked Ape (1967) – an unabashed look at the human species. The book is notable for its focus on humanity's animal-like qualities and our similarity with apes. Reprinted many times and in many languages, it continues to be a best-seller.
The Human Zoo (1969) – a further, deeper look into mankind and its animal roots.
Intimate Behaviour (1971)
Manwatching (1977) reprinted as Peoplewatching (2002)
Gestures: Their Origin and Distribution (1979)
Animal Days (1979)
Soccer Tribe (1981)
Pocket Guide to Manwatching (1982)
Inrock (1983)
Bodywatching – A Field Guide to the Human Species (1985) – Hundreds of photos analyzing the human body from hair down to the feet.
Catwatching (1986) – a study of one of the most popular of household pets across the centuries.
Dogwatching (1986) – an in-depth study of "man's best friend".
Animalwatching (1990)
Babywatching (1991)
The Human Animal (1994)
The Naked Eye (2001)
Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of over 1000 Dog Breeds (2001)
Peoplewatching: The Desmond Morris Guide to Body Language (2002)
The Naked Woman (2004)