Spite

‘[A] thorough and entertaining book, which poses a provocative thesis… McCarthy-Jones is a funny, playful writer, especially for a psychologist… an illuminating examination of an under-discussed topic.’

-- New York Times

‘An informative, evidence-based page-turner. A rare pleasure.’

-- Richard Stephens, author of Black Sheep, winner of the Wellcome Prize 2014

'Spite is a fascinating insight into how we all behave in a world of big egos and thin skins.'

-- Michael Cockerell, award-winning political documentary-maker

‘With rigorous science, penetrating analyses, colourful and enjoyable prose, and an astonishing breadth of knowledge – Simon McCarthy-Jones has delivered a book that will undeniably be appreciated by many.’

-- Frank Larøi. University of Bergen

'Spite is an eye-opening examination of humanity’s nastier impulses - from Achilles to Trump. An erudite and eloquent guide, McCarthy-Jones deftly examines cutting-edge psychological research and evolutionary theory, with some truly startling insights for our personal relationships, business and politics. You will never look at your human nature in quite the same way again.'

* David Robson, author of The Intelligence Trap *

‘An interesting and at times provocative exploration of an emotion that has to this point been underexplored and, if McCarthy-Jones is right, significantly underappreciated.’

-- Independent