Cordelia Fine’s explosive study of gender politics, Testosterone Rex: Unmaking the Myths of Our Gendered Minds, has won the 30th anniversary Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize.
Judges praised Fine’s powerful book for its eye-opening, forensic look at gender stereotypes and its urgent call for change.
Chair of this year’s panel, palaeontologist and award-winning writer and television presenter, Professor Richard Fortey FRS, said: “A cracking critique of the ‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus’ hypothesis, Cordelia Fine takes to pieces much of the science on which ‘fundamental’ gender differences are predicated. Graced with precisely focused humour, the author makes a good case that men and women are far more alike than many would claim. Feminist? Possibly. Humanist? Certainly. A compellingly good read.”
We announced our 30th winner at a special award ceremony on 19 September, hosted by Professor Brian Cox. Further information including the event video can be found on the event webpage.
About the shortlist, Professor Fortey said:
“We are thrilled with the variety and breadth of this shortlist. These books explore new frontiers, both internally and as far as infinity. They grapple with the big questions of our time: what it is to be human; gender politics; ageing. It takes great courage and skill to face those complex and forbidding subjects and to convey them in such a comprehensive and enjoyable manner.
“The perfect science book marries scientific breakthrough with elegant, engaging communication. Reading these books side-by-side, we were struck by how creative and unique each voice was, and the varied ways these writers tackle their subjects, using metaphors and personal stories as much as scientific facts.”
For all enquiries, please contact sciencebooks@royalsociety.org.