Homo Erectus: Other Popular Tales of True Romance, and

By Joel Yanofsky

About one million years ago, when Homo Erectus decided to walk on two legs, he must have sensed that things would never be the same for him again -- that he could kiss his old ape habits goodbye. No more swinging from tree branch to tree branch, no more throwing his feces around. He would have also been the first to admit that he wasn't quite ready yet for martinis, smoking jackets and Masterpiece Theatre. A lot of men today find themselves in a similar position -- aware they can't go back to what they were and, at the same time, unable to figure out what they are supposed to become.

Women are trying to figure out the New Man too. And who better to ask than an insider, a man? Joel Yanofsky says, "When I was approached about writing a book about sex from a guy's point of view, I began to laugh. I don't mean giggle or chuckle either. I mean laugh uncontrollably, hysterically. Which is one of the reasons for writing this book: to figure out what the joke is and, better yet, who it is on. Women are more confusing than ever, not always a bad thing. So is knowing what it means to be a man, not always a bad thing either. I still don't know what it is I find so amusing. Except I'm still laughing. I can't promise answers, but I do have a few theories."

You'll be laughing too as you follow Yanofsky through the minefields of dating, mating, and breaking up in the nineties.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0921833482
• ISBN13: 9780921833482
• Release Date: October 1996
• Publisher: Signature Editions
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Standing up - for men

When Joel Yanofsky was asked by a woman publisher to write something on men's views on love and sex, he laughed hysterically. The reason for his hilarity is the theme of this book. His mirth is infectious. You will smile, grin [even if wryly] and laugh outright at accounts of his experiences in romance. There are a few tears here, as well, but he keeps the approach light and captivating. He writes about feelings - and he does it with feeling. Displaying a neatness rarely credited to men, Yanofsky organizes this essay collection into general topics. "Guyhood" opens the set with views on some aspects of being male. The next two groups cover "relationships" with all that term implies. Some essays are serious, others hilariously satirical. Yanofsky even offers a course: "Intimacy for Men 101". The classroom scenario will be familiar to anyone who's attended a "self-awareness" group. The myth of male indifference to a lost relationship is shattered in the "Dumped" essays. What does it mean, truly, to be a bachelor [Yanofsky married after this book was published]? He assures us that, if nothing else, bachelors as "party animals" is a false concept.Men's views on the topic of romance are rarely taken seriously by today's women. Perhaps because no one before Yanofsky was ever seriously asked their opinion. When women such as Carol Shields can state "being a man is a personality disorder" offering male outlooks on romance seems a waste of breath. Yanofsky demonstrates the narrowness of such a declaration. He explains that men, although the term sounds alarums among some, have a role - and it's their own role. To insist, as some women do, that males become "a New Man" is at best misguided, at worst hostile hypocrisy. "Men" didn't conform to patterns in the past, what justifies their doing so now? It erodes individuality. The title, as you may guess, has multiple meaning. It's not, however, thinly disguised smut. Yanofsky seriously ponders our evolutionary roots in considering how men came to be as they are. Did they, he suggests, descend from an arboreal life suddenly confronted by the knowledge things would never be the same? It is, after all, the male's vulnerability that increased with the new lifestyle. Such a step can impart a level of stress we have yet to shed. He's bothered by stress - several forms of it, which keeps this book lively and readable. He thinks men ought to be taken seriously. Although the presentation may disguise that notion, it's vivid to him, imparted well us all, and justifies his contention that this book should be read by women. Read it and discover some novel truths. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]