T: The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone That Dominates and Divides Us

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 540 ratings

Price: 16.87

Last update: 10-03-2024


About this item

Through riveting personal stories and the latest research, Harvard evolutionary biologist Carole Hooven shows how testosterone drives the behavior of the sexes apart and how understanding the science behind this hormone is empowering for all.

Since antiquity - from the eunuchs in the royal courts of ancient China to the booming market for “elixirs of youth” in 19th-century Europe - humans have understood that typically masculine behavior depends on testicles, the main source of testosterone in males. Which sex has the highest rates of physical violence, hunger for status, and desire for a high number of sex partners? Just follow the testosterone.

Although we humans can study and reflect on our own behavior, we are also animals, the products of millions of years of evolution. Fascinating research on creatures from chimpanzees to spiny lizards shows how high testosterone helps males out-reproduce their competitors. And men are no exception.

While most people agree that sex differences in human behavior exist, they disagree about the reasons. But the science is clear: Testosterone is a potent force in human society, driving the bodies and behavior of the sexes apart. But, as Hooven shows in T, it does so in concert with genes and culture to produce a vast variety of male and female behavior. And, crucially, the fact that many sex differences are grounded in biology provides no support for restrictive gender norms or patriarchal values. In understanding testosterone, we better understand ourselves and one another - and how we might build a fairer, safer society.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.


Top reviews from the United States

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Vital information, beautifully written science writing at its best
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2021
The central theme of this book is the assertion by the author of the crucial role of biological factors —and especially the hormone testosterone — in the various toxic manifestations of male aggression that are and have always been so much a part of human life.

While Dr. Hooven is very clear about what has motivated her to write this book, it is in no way a polemic or a diatribe: it is rather an extremely thoughtful and elegantly expressed work of scholarship, She has assembled a vast collection of results from many areas of research into a text that is clear, logical, and a pleasure to read.

While “T” is not “an easy read”, non-scientists should have no trouble understanding Dr. Hooven’s explanations of various theories and concepts that may be unfamiliar.

Carole Hooven notes that culture and the environment
have, over the centuries of civilization, exercised a moderating influence on the effects of aggression in society; however, much more needs to be understood and applied—specifically about testosterone and its associated evolutionary and genetic forces— to ensure the survival of our species.

If you haven’t already contributed to this effort, a good place to start would be to read this book.
Annie
5.0 out of 5 stars explains it all about men
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024
Thank you for this beautifully worded and scientifically sound explanation of sex hormones’ and their biological impact on human development and behavior.
Jonathan T.
4.0 out of 5 stars Well, at least the science is interesting!
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2021
Well-written and a fun read. Learned a lot about how the endocrine system works, and some cool nature facts about various animals. One more nail in the coffin of free will, at least for those of us who are T-endowed. She also ventures into campus politics and other "hot button" issues; there, I took it with a grain of salt since those debates involve many things beyond just the science. And so, reading only one perspective will never give you the full picture. But even those portions of the book were interesting, and she certainly has something to say that is worth listening to.
alissa Joseph
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and engaging for the lay reader. A very neccessary read.
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2021
I loved this book.
Why?
Dr Carole Hooven helped me better understand the relationships I am currently in. Helped me better understand the men in my life. I understand the basic science behind gender differences,without having had to put my head into a pretzel to do so. She is amazing at teaching science to a lay person. I have often felt we're throwing away the baby w the bathwater, when we discredit science, or in this case scientific terms, in favor of being politically correct or sympathetic to gender differences. We can embrace all gender differences, live and let live, and also honor truthful and hard won scientific terms ,hard won as it took years of layered work to come up with the term female and male. We cant simply chuck science if it doesnt jive with our playbook. Hamlet said 'nothing is neither good nor bad, but thinking makes it so' These terms, female, male are good and compatible and neccessary even for gender differences to be acknowledged,and understood.
Frances F
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and fascinating! An incredibly important, brilliant book.
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2021
I loved how engaging and fascinating this book was. It really explains so much about the human experience as it relates to the hormone testosterone. If you want to understand more about men, as well as how testosterone affects sports performance, or trans and gay people, read this book. The science is well researched and the biology well explained—with artistic illustrations included. Hooven lays it all out there, she's clear and compassionate yet refrains from making any moral or political judgements. She writes in a style that is accessible and enjoyable. Not many science books are written in such a personable way. I thought it might be dry but I was hooked at the start. This book will become a seminal work on this subject for many years to come.
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Frances F
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and fascinating! An incredibly important, brilliant book.
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2021
I loved how engaging and fascinating this book was. It really explains so much about the human experience as it relates to the hormone testosterone. If you want to understand more about men, as well as how testosterone affects sports performance, or trans and gay people, read this book. The science is well researched and the biology well explained—with artistic illustrations included. Hooven lays it all out there, she's clear and compassionate yet refrains from making any moral or political judgements. She writes in a style that is accessible and enjoyable. Not many science books are written in such a personable way. I thought it might be dry but I was hooked at the start. This book will become a seminal work on this subject for many years to come.
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ED Coburn
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding. An engaging and informative book, backed by solid science
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2023
Carole Hooven has written a brilliant book that makes a very strong case for the effects of T (testosterone) on the development of men, women, and others on the spectrum. Dr. Hooven does not shy away from controversy but she brings the goods and her case is compelling, accessible … and delightfully fun. An important read for anyone working in child development, teaching, counseling, parents, or just anyone who wants to better understand a highly influential hormone that both unites and divides people.
Taylor baker
3.0 out of 5 stars Mediocre
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2022
This book has many correct facts about testosterone, but the one that stands out the most as being completely inaccurate is the claim that testosterone makes you taller. Growth hormone and genetics are the culprit of height. There are many men in the world who are tall of all ages who have low testosterone levels. If you want to see men with high levels of testosterone of all shapes and sizes look no further than a variety of sports including ufc and CrossFit. Many of our top personal trainers and fitness gurus exhibit high signs of testosterone. Even in Hollywood, it is a no brainer who has more testosterone, Mark Whalberg who is 5”8 or will farrel who is over 6 ft. The bottom line is, height has nothing to do with testosterone, look for the real visible signs, a deep voice, muscular with low body fat, a protruding adams apple and quite possibly well endowed.

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