This is an investigation into the nature of good and evil, and the different ways in which they can be manifested. The book examines the fundamental questions of why we are as we are, why we care for one another and why we can be kind as well as selfish and cruel. According to science, we are prisoners of our genetic inheritance. Are our impulses therefore to some extent inescapable, compelling us to behave in a certain manner, irrespective of the guidelines imposed by instinct or civilization? Or can we determine our individual patterns of behaviour? Do we really have a choice? A diverse multitude of examples, from St Francis of Assisi, Audrey Hepburn, Bruce Chatwin and Bob Geldof to the Marquis de Sade, Adolf Hitler, Peter Sutcliffe and the juvenile killers of Jamie Bolger, are used to help examine these questions. By the winner of the CWA Gold Dagger for "Killing for Company".
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
"A welcome link in the chain of understanding: a work of ambition and complexity underpinned by an obvious desire to grasp the fundamental nature of ourselves" (John Stalker Sunday Times)
"An exercise in moral philosophy ... imbued with the writer's kindly wisdom or quivering indignation. [Masters'] accounts of our brutality and sadism to ourselves and our fellow creatures, although not lavish and never unnecessarily dwelt upon, harrow us the more keenly just because they are so well-written and admirably chosen." (Ruth Rendell, Daily Telegraph)
"His discussion of evil and good is calmly, even cooly detailed. It is not merely by his compassionate distancing that Masters' study manages to engage the reader; his research seems to have been exhaustive and copious. His range is impressive." (Times Literary Supplement)
A penetrating investigation into the nature of good and evil by the author of Killing for Company.
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Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
hardcover. Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned. Seller Inventory # rev6012337002
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Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This is an investigation into the nature of good and evil, and the different ways in which they can be manifested. The book examines the fundamental questions of why we are as we are, why we care for one another and why we can be kind as well as selfish and cruel. According to science, we are prisoners of our genetic inheritance. Are our impulses therefore to some extent inescapable, compelling us to behave in a certain manner, irrespective of the guidelines imposed by instinct or civilization? Or can we determine our individual patterns of behaviour? Do we really have a choice? A diverse multitude of examples, from St Francis of Assisi, Audrey Hepburn, Bruce Chatwin and Bob Geldof to the Marquis de Sade, Adolf Hitler, Peter Sutcliffe and the juvenile killers of Jamie Bolger, are used to help examine these questions. By the winner of the CWA Gold Dagger for "Killing for Company". The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR003488586
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Light age toning to page edges. 278 pages. No internal inscriptions, torn or missing pages. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilogram. Category: True Crime; Psychology & Psychiatry. ISBN: 0385406495. ISBN/EAN: 9780385406499. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 58702. Seller Inventory # 58702
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