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Manwatching: A field guide to human behaviour
Peoplewatching is the culmination of a career of watching people - their behaviour and habits, their personalities and their quirks. Desmond Morris shows us how people, consciously and unconsciously, signal their attitudes, desires and innermost feelings with their bodies and actions, often more powerfully than with their words.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
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5031 people want to read
About the author
Desmond Morris
249 books564 followersDesmond John Morris (born 24 January 1928) is an English zoologist, ethologist and surrealist painter, as well as a popular author in human sociobiology. He is known for his 1967 book The Naked Ape, and for his television programmes such as Zoo Time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 28, 2016
It is very disappointing that this book does not have more ratings on this site - it is really, really underrated.
I became a fan of Desmond Morris after reading The Human Zoo: A Zoologist's Study of the Urban Animal; an admiration which increased after I read his other books. Anthropology has the criticism raised against it that it is a shallow science. I don't know about that. But I would say it is damn interesting.
In this book, Dr. Morris gives us tips on interpreting human behaviour - and I can tell you from experience that's it's a rewarding hobby. I still remember him describing the hand actions of public speakers, and what the body language signifies: I have applied it to political speeches on TV with great effect. Another chapter of interest was on the interpretation of a couple's stage in the pair-bonding process based on the physical intimacy they displayed in public.
This book has plenty of photographs and is a worthy addition to any library. I don't know whether it's still in print - if it is, I would advise all and sundry to grab a copy post-haste.
I became a fan of Desmond Morris after reading The Human Zoo: A Zoologist's Study of the Urban Animal; an admiration which increased after I read his other books. Anthropology has the criticism raised against it that it is a shallow science. I don't know about that. But I would say it is damn interesting.
In this book, Dr. Morris gives us tips on interpreting human behaviour - and I can tell you from experience that's it's a rewarding hobby. I still remember him describing the hand actions of public speakers, and what the body language signifies: I have applied it to political speeches on TV with great effect. Another chapter of interest was on the interpretation of a couple's stage in the pair-bonding process based on the physical intimacy they displayed in public.
This book has plenty of photographs and is a worthy addition to any library. I don't know whether it's still in print - if it is, I would advise all and sundry to grab a copy post-haste.
February 9, 2012
Desmond John Morris – The zoologist, ethologist, anthropologist, painter, television presenter and author, is in my opinion without a doubt one of the world’s best observer, teachers and mentors for anyone who wants to break down, classify and understand the human species.
His book ‘People Watching’ which is a revised, enlarged and expanded version of the 1977 version ‘Man-watching’ is a biblical collection of actions, gestures and physical expressions adopted by people on our planet.
What makes this massive 490 paged mammoth collection of data so amazing is the detail to which the author has gone to deliver his goods – the diagrams, the photographs, the examples, the explanation, the content, the etymology of the expression and its derivatives, the cultural differences to every single gesture, posture or non-verbal communication and yes the reasons behind the reason.
Everything from Resting Behavior, Body Adornments, Pupil Signals, Territorial Behavior, Non-Verbal Leakage, Contradictory signals, Salutation Displays, Sporting Behavior, Signals of Threat, Barriers and Salutation – Desmond Morris has shown through this book how much we think we know to the infinite possibilities of how we truly do not.
An absolute and timeless classic that will stand the test of time and in my eyes, always and forever a perfect book.
Overall Rating – 10 out of 10.
His book ‘People Watching’ which is a revised, enlarged and expanded version of the 1977 version ‘Man-watching’ is a biblical collection of actions, gestures and physical expressions adopted by people on our planet.
What makes this massive 490 paged mammoth collection of data so amazing is the detail to which the author has gone to deliver his goods – the diagrams, the photographs, the examples, the explanation, the content, the etymology of the expression and its derivatives, the cultural differences to every single gesture, posture or non-verbal communication and yes the reasons behind the reason.
Everything from Resting Behavior, Body Adornments, Pupil Signals, Territorial Behavior, Non-Verbal Leakage, Contradictory signals, Salutation Displays, Sporting Behavior, Signals of Threat, Barriers and Salutation – Desmond Morris has shown through this book how much we think we know to the infinite possibilities of how we truly do not.
An absolute and timeless classic that will stand the test of time and in my eyes, always and forever a perfect book.
Overall Rating – 10 out of 10.
March 28, 2016
I only realised/recalled when adding this to my TBR list that I had in fact previously read a different edition of the same book twenty years ago. This didn't detract from my enjoyment of this, however, it was an interesting and insightful study of human beaviour and a good anthropology/sociology 'primer' in this area.
Desmond Morris discusses numerous examples of human behaviour, focussing particularly on gestures and body language, and makes interesting contrast/comparison between different ages and cultures to pick out aspects of 'universal' human behaviour as well as those more culturally determined. There were plenty of quirky new bits of learning, and the very approachable style lent it's self well to the non-expert reader.
It did towards the end become a little repetitive, however, to the extent that by the final third I was thinking 'I could have guessed that was the case from what you already told us' at times. I was also left with the sense that it had dated slightly from when it was written in the late 1970s - which added a curious sense of doubt to some of Morris's claims of universal and lasting behaviours now proven to be less important (and the absence of things which he did not predict).
Desmond Morris discusses numerous examples of human behaviour, focussing particularly on gestures and body language, and makes interesting contrast/comparison between different ages and cultures to pick out aspects of 'universal' human behaviour as well as those more culturally determined. There were plenty of quirky new bits of learning, and the very approachable style lent it's self well to the non-expert reader.
It did towards the end become a little repetitive, however, to the extent that by the final third I was thinking 'I could have guessed that was the case from what you already told us' at times. I was also left with the sense that it had dated slightly from when it was written in the late 1970s - which added a curious sense of doubt to some of Morris's claims of universal and lasting behaviours now proven to be less important (and the absence of things which he did not predict).
August 29, 2016
The book is about human actions, how actions become gestures, and how gestures transmit non-verbal messages.
In short, the book is about the "Body Language."
In a clear, lucid way, the author describes a whole range of our day-to day actions, gestures, movements, signs & signals-- most of which we perform sub-consciously. He explains how people from different communities behave in public and in private, and also analyzes the fundamental patterns that govern typical actions-reactions.
Packed with almost a hundred diagrams, sketches and photographs, the book makes us aware of the fact that as a species we may have advanced technologically, but we have not yet entirely shed our 'animal' traits of being bodily active.
After reading this book, a big change has come over me. Now whenever I meet a person, my attention gets focused on firmness and duration of the shake-hand, the way he is folding his hands, distance between his legs, body tension, inclination of his head, the number of times he scratches his head or touches his nose, whether he gives a hearty laughter or a political smile, and such bizarre details.
So if anyone among you happens to meet me (I very much doubt this), do not feel uneasy. I am just putting the theory into practice, ha!
In short, the book is about the "Body Language."
In a clear, lucid way, the author describes a whole range of our day-to day actions, gestures, movements, signs & signals-- most of which we perform sub-consciously. He explains how people from different communities behave in public and in private, and also analyzes the fundamental patterns that govern typical actions-reactions.
Packed with almost a hundred diagrams, sketches and photographs, the book makes us aware of the fact that as a species we may have advanced technologically, but we have not yet entirely shed our 'animal' traits of being bodily active.
After reading this book, a big change has come over me. Now whenever I meet a person, my attention gets focused on firmness and duration of the shake-hand, the way he is folding his hands, distance between his legs, body tension, inclination of his head, the number of times he scratches his head or touches his nose, whether he gives a hearty laughter or a political smile, and such bizarre details.
So if anyone among you happens to meet me (I very much doubt this), do not feel uneasy. I am just putting the theory into practice, ha!
April 14, 2008
This is a really cool book. Desmond Morris ROCKS. He's a zoologist who has written lots of books studying the human being as an animal. So like, why do people act the way they do? Is it because we are an advanced amazing species (perhaps), or because we are acting on animal like instincts?
If you like to sit and watch people walk by in crowded places (who doesn't?!) this is that sort of interesting book. You learn about body language, postural echoing, and... something else I was going to write there until my husband interrupted me and I lost my train of thought.
Anyways, all of his books are awesome. He's so freaking awesome. You would not believe how fascinating it is to read this guys' books and then notice yourself doing things he talks about. You'll be walking around saying "Oh my gosh! I'm folding my arms because the person I'm sitting next to is folding his, JUST LIKE HE SAID PEOPLE DO IN THE BOOK, and I have never noticed before that I do that!!" It's freaky and awesome.
If you like to sit and watch people walk by in crowded places (who doesn't?!) this is that sort of interesting book. You learn about body language, postural echoing, and... something else I was going to write there until my husband interrupted me and I lost my train of thought.
Anyways, all of his books are awesome. He's so freaking awesome. You would not believe how fascinating it is to read this guys' books and then notice yourself doing things he talks about. You'll be walking around saying "Oh my gosh! I'm folding my arms because the person I'm sitting next to is folding his, JUST LIKE HE SAID PEOPLE DO IN THE BOOK, and I have never noticed before that I do that!!" It's freaky and awesome.
May 12, 2020
A very interesting book. Extremely insightful. And the best part is that it lends insight and highlights the root of the most trivial things around us and which are part of us.
A simple act of nodding has so much history behind it. Clothes are layered with contexts and meanings and past. A thumbs up, or a face palm that we use so unthinkingly are all inheritances from our ancient ancestors.
Must read book! And the pictures along with text are the wonderful bonus.
A simple act of nodding has so much history behind it. Clothes are layered with contexts and meanings and past. A thumbs up, or a face palm that we use so unthinkingly are all inheritances from our ancient ancestors.
Must read book! And the pictures along with text are the wonderful bonus.
December 31, 2022
It's a 4.5 🌟!
Fabulous book!
Lot and lot of information!
I'll read this book again and again till I memorize it!
Every page is a gem....it may feel like academic book but please complete it!
In next year ,I gonna read lot of Desmond books!
Fabulous book!
Lot and lot of information!
I'll read this book again and again till I memorize it!
Every page is a gem....it may feel like academic book but please complete it!
In next year ,I gonna read lot of Desmond books!
October 27, 2019
One would think that a field guide to human behaviour would not become outdated, but unfortunately this is not the case with Manwatching. Published in 1977, some of the descriptions and explanations provided by Desmond Morris leaves you wishing for an updated version of the book, since there is so much interesting information provided.
While the section on action remains strong, the examination of gestures appear to have suffered the most. Due to the number of conflicting gestures attributed to different countries, regions and cultures, the author is presenting his speculations on the origins of some gestures, which could be contradicted by another author. Some of the gestures described are no longer commonly used, although they would have been used decades ago.
While we have all been exposed to the idea that man was the original hunter, while the female was the food gatherer, it is a bit insulting that the author still describes that present day man in the role of the hunter as he is still providing for his family by going to work and chasing after solutions and contracts. The physical exertions of hunting can be found in sporting activities. The present day woman is still the food gather, as she hunts for food in the grocery stores. When women and children engage in sports, it is considered to be a popular pastime. If women currently have a more active role in the business world and sports, does that mean that the perception of the evolution of man as a hunter may be flawed? For those readers who are open to different possibilities, I would suggest they read the Descent of Women by Elaine Morgan. This book suggests the equal role of women in human evolution.
While the section on action remains strong, the examination of gestures appear to have suffered the most. Due to the number of conflicting gestures attributed to different countries, regions and cultures, the author is presenting his speculations on the origins of some gestures, which could be contradicted by another author. Some of the gestures described are no longer commonly used, although they would have been used decades ago.
While we have all been exposed to the idea that man was the original hunter, while the female was the food gatherer, it is a bit insulting that the author still describes that present day man in the role of the hunter as he is still providing for his family by going to work and chasing after solutions and contracts. The physical exertions of hunting can be found in sporting activities. The present day woman is still the food gather, as she hunts for food in the grocery stores. When women and children engage in sports, it is considered to be a popular pastime. If women currently have a more active role in the business world and sports, does that mean that the perception of the evolution of man as a hunter may be flawed? For those readers who are open to different possibilities, I would suggest they read the Descent of Women by Elaine Morgan. This book suggests the equal role of women in human evolution.
February 11, 2016
Really interesting book, read staggered and intermittently and can read chapters out of sync when fully engaged to gain valuable knowledge of universal human body language. So many things in this book I never would have realized until the writer describes i.e. the mannerisms, group dynamics, nationalities, age, relationships, non verbal interactions, how people lie and their tells and everything else imaginable in body language. Have gone back to this book repeatedly over the last few years and still picking up information that I missed last time around. One to keep for sure.
October 30, 2016
One of my favourite books on the behaviour of the human animal. The best section for me was the chapter on religion, which explained to my 13 year old mind (the first time I read the book) why man invented religion. I borrowed the original version from the library, and purchased this version a few years later.
June 2, 2021
I'm a pretty open minded guy, but his books always feel a bit creepy and porny to me.
December 16, 2024
This is a beast of a book. It covers every single aspect of human behaviour you could imagine. It's so detailed it has taken me a year to finish it (on and off), and every page was full of interesting insights.
I will say, though, that this book feels like a textbook at times. D. Morris is an academic, and so he writes like one. I would actually go as far as saying that the book is too detailed, and covers behavioural aspects that probably don't need to be pointed out.
However, this is a publication I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Same goes for The Naked Ape and The Human Zoo.
I will say, though, that this book feels like a textbook at times. D. Morris is an academic, and so he writes like one. I would actually go as far as saying that the book is too detailed, and covers behavioural aspects that probably don't need to be pointed out.
However, this is a publication I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Same goes for The Naked Ape and The Human Zoo.
October 2, 2022
Another GREAT book.
We may sometimes think of us as so far removed from the animal kingdom that we are something else entirely. Yes, we might have reached unparalleled cognitive, technological, scientific, philosophical and artistic heights. But we are still biological creatures with everything this entails. And yes, I felt pretentious for writing this (LOL). Thank you very much for asking.
This book takes a zoological perspective on human beings. It is refreshing to read about us with more distance than is usually the case. It is also endearing to understand why (for example) we sometimes avoid eye contact (because we want to escape the social situation) or how we unconsciously signal 'yes' or 'no' through our body language, or to learn about the concept of 'non-verbal leakage'. These are just some of the insights the book details about our body language.
I find the real benefit of having a more in-depth understanding of our tendencies, is to read people better. We can thus adapt better to our friends, families and colleagues wants and needs. I believe we seldom act inappropriate because of bad intent. Instead, my experience is that it's more often than not, due of our obliviousness.
This book provides a "vocabulary" into the kind of communication we may not pay as close attention to. The result is better social awareness.
PS, as a final point: the book is criminally unknown.
We may sometimes think of us as so far removed from the animal kingdom that we are something else entirely. Yes, we might have reached unparalleled cognitive, technological, scientific, philosophical and artistic heights. But we are still biological creatures with everything this entails. And yes, I felt pretentious for writing this (LOL). Thank you very much for asking.
This book takes a zoological perspective on human beings. It is refreshing to read about us with more distance than is usually the case. It is also endearing to understand why (for example) we sometimes avoid eye contact (because we want to escape the social situation) or how we unconsciously signal 'yes' or 'no' through our body language, or to learn about the concept of 'non-verbal leakage'. These are just some of the insights the book details about our body language.
I find the real benefit of having a more in-depth understanding of our tendencies, is to read people better. We can thus adapt better to our friends, families and colleagues wants and needs. I believe we seldom act inappropriate because of bad intent. Instead, my experience is that it's more often than not, due of our obliviousness.
This book provides a "vocabulary" into the kind of communication we may not pay as close attention to. The result is better social awareness.
PS, as a final point: the book is criminally unknown.
November 4, 2017
https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2899217.html
It's the 2002 update of the 1977 book Manwatching: A Field Guide to Human Behaviour; Morris grumbles a bit about having to change the title in these new times, but then he gets on with the serious business of looking at different things that we do with our bodies to for specific non-verbal communications - 488 pages worth, with loads of diagrams. To be honest, I found it entertaining rather than enlightening; there is no over-arching theory other than that it pays to pay attention to what people are doing as well as saying. It is interesting to see how some gestures can mean quite different things in different countries - in some places the beckoning gesture that I use, moving my hand towards me, actually means "go away"; my daughter's habit of telling us not to bother her by pushing her open hand towards us is amusing here but extremely rude in Greece.
It's the 2002 update of the 1977 book Manwatching: A Field Guide to Human Behaviour; Morris grumbles a bit about having to change the title in these new times, but then he gets on with the serious business of looking at different things that we do with our bodies to for specific non-verbal communications - 488 pages worth, with loads of diagrams. To be honest, I found it entertaining rather than enlightening; there is no over-arching theory other than that it pays to pay attention to what people are doing as well as saying. It is interesting to see how some gestures can mean quite different things in different countries - in some places the beckoning gesture that I use, moving my hand towards me, actually means "go away"; my daughter's habit of telling us not to bother her by pushing her open hand towards us is amusing here but extremely rude in Greece.
May 17, 2013
Before the motivational speaker with his and her pretence of knowing body language, before Joe Braysich, before Allan Pease, (before me!) there was the scientist and ever so clever Desmond Morris, anthropologist, biologist, zoo-ologist, writer and artist.
You have to take your hat off to someone who dedicated his time and studies to helping us get on with each other, understand each other and to stop looking and acting like apes.
You have to take your hat off to someone who dedicated his time and studies to helping us get on with each other, understand each other and to stop looking and acting like apes.
June 30, 2025
This felt very much like a TV series tie-in (which I assume it was) and wasn't necessarily particularly 'in depth', but Morris did make this a very approachable introduction to sociology - talking about cultural differences, gender differences, and a variety of other areas in the context of subtle signals and gestures etc. that we all do subconsciously as social animals. Interesting stuff, but only a primer to the subject.
Read
March 22, 2020my copy is actually called Manwatching. Bought it in April 2017 and have tried very hard since then to finish it. almost made it! giving up now, because I did not retain any of it and it's seriously outdated anyway.
July 22, 2020
An incredibly detailed yet very readable analysis of all aspects of human behavior. I'm always on the lookout for good reference material as I write about social and health issues and "Peoplewatching" was a gold mine for that. It's as relevant today as when the first edition was published in 1977.
September 11, 2021
Desmond Morris studies mankind's social behavior and explains it as he would an animal, indeed pointing out in his introduction that "We are animals, after all." The photos make it interesting and are taken from many cultures, with a 1960s feel to them. Certainly worth looking through.
February 12, 2014
Exhaustive study of human body language. Who knew there were so many gestures in common between distant cultures. A super interesting and informative read. I will have to re-read sometime again.
November 15, 2017
Comprehensive and interesting, but a bit too clinical, and less entertaining than his other books
March 28, 2021
Fascinating, though it could do with a modern update for some sections.
February 7, 2018
TL;DR Great book about human body language. Bit sciency, not my taste. Still enjoyed reading the mammoth sized book. Took a while as I prefer fiction. Would recommend. 4-6/10.
As a kid I enjoyed reading textbooks and devouring information that almost seemed useless, yet lo and behold: here I was reading what could really pass as a university level textbook again.
But this time, the book was about me.
Let me clarify, Peoplewatching is more a book about the detailed history, and study of human behavior, movement, and most importantly play. You can read the book for yourself to dive into chapters that detail the evolutionary traits that humans exhibit in our everyday activities and hobbies. What caught my attention is that this book is exactly what the title is about.
Peoplewatching is a book for those of us who find themselves surprised that we can somehow “read the air” of a room, those who know when someone is lying, or just those of us who are interested in finding out why there are so many displays of human body language.
I didn’t rate the book out of my enjoyment of it, rather the information I pulled. There are some parts where the age of the text does show, and in some cases as a guy myself I felt at odds with some of the selections in the book. That being said, the book itself is a novel of information that details most of what we can understand about human body language.
As a kid I enjoyed reading textbooks and devouring information that almost seemed useless, yet lo and behold: here I was reading what could really pass as a university level textbook again.
But this time, the book was about me.
Let me clarify, Peoplewatching is more a book about the detailed history, and study of human behavior, movement, and most importantly play. You can read the book for yourself to dive into chapters that detail the evolutionary traits that humans exhibit in our everyday activities and hobbies. What caught my attention is that this book is exactly what the title is about.
Peoplewatching is a book for those of us who find themselves surprised that we can somehow “read the air” of a room, those who know when someone is lying, or just those of us who are interested in finding out why there are so many displays of human body language.
I didn’t rate the book out of my enjoyment of it, rather the information I pulled. There are some parts where the age of the text does show, and in some cases as a guy myself I felt at odds with some of the selections in the book. That being said, the book itself is a novel of information that details most of what we can understand about human body language.
May 11, 2025
I remember this book being in the school library, but other than occasionally looking at the pictures of naked women (hey, I was 13 and we didn't have the internet), I didn't read it. However, I found it a couple of years ago in a charity shop and was curious. There's lots of interest, but what I find most fascinating is completely how it betrays the time in which it was written. Morris goes for a scientific, detached tone but more often only achieves patronising, and overall it couldn't be clearer that this is a book anchored in the male- and white-centric attitudes of the seventies. The whole section on sport only discusses and pictures men, while the section on aesthetic behaviour has photos of women in swimsuits. I'm no anthropologist but it seems obvious that many of the conclusions here mistake superficial and specific western social customs for underlying human "truths". Still, at the very least it's interesting to see how things have changed in the last forty years. (note: the edition I read is the original; the latest is called Peoplewatching and I really hope it's been updated to remove the more egregiously sexist content.)
October 3, 2023
I came to this book looking to for nonverbal communication signs. This book is more than that. It is observation of human behaviours and traits in multiple situations from birth through life. As more fundamental reading, I skipped through it looking for few interesting moments. This book requires studying, rather than simple reading. I would prefer watching a documentary, because even the title suggests that it is "people watching".
August 20, 2024
This book is better served as a time capsule than an actual factual book. It's almost hard to read it nowadays without thinking it's satirical, because even though Morris himself claims not to be a Freudian, he seems to see nothing but genitalia and infant behaviour in everyone and everything. There are fun factoids, but please don't go quoting this book in any way but humourously.
October 17, 2022
I read about a 100 pages but then It got so boring. People who get bored easily...... this book is not for you. Only those who have a very strong desire to learn every minute thing can go for this book.
This book is not suitable for casual reading.
This book is not suitable for casual reading.
April 10, 2024
I read this more for the purposes of character animation than anything else. It's also got a lot of interesting thoughts on history and theories on where certain behaviours come from. Gets a bit too hypothetical sometimes, but I enjoyed it.
July 20, 2024
This book had some interesting gems about human behavior and ancient speculation (like humans might've once been aquatic). My lower rating comes from it being a dense book and also I found the rigid gender roles and stereotypes in it off-putting. It has a "male gaze" feel to it.
October 6, 2018
Gud book, helped me professionally....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews