"Humans think they are 'free, conscious beings, when in truth they are deluded animals,' writes London University economics professor Gray (Black Mass) in a series of brief and intriguing mini-essays. His themes include the similarities between hypnotism and financial markets and uncomfortable truths behind drug use and its prohibition. In a chapter called 'Deception,' Gray traces Humanism from Plato through Postmodernism. He critiques both science and religion: 'Science can advance human knowledge, it cannot make humanity cherish truth. Like the Christians of former times, scientists are caught up in the web of power; they struggle for survival and success; their view of the world is a patchwork of conventional beliefs.' At a certain point, it can be difficult to see where Gray's allegiances lie. He tears down institutions, especially consciousness, self, free will and morality, and questions our ability to solve the problems of overpopulation and overconsumption: 'Only a breed of ex-humans can thrive in the world that unchecked human expansion has created.' So what's left? Gray recommends a devaluation of progress, mastery, and immortality, and a return to contemplation and acceptance: 'Other animals do not need a purpose in life. Can we not think of the aim of life as being simply to see?' This comforting question punctuates an otherwise profoundly disturbing meditation on humankind's real place in the world." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Gray (European thought, London School of Economics, UK) issues a blistering attack on humanism and the idea of human progress and human control over its own affairs in this relatively short but still wide-ranging work. Boiled down to its essential point, the work asserts that humankind cannot escape the animal and, indeed, is far more rapacious and worse off when it tries. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"As enthralling as is it is provocative. Is there a more consistently interesting thinker in Britain?"  Jason Cowley, New Statesman  "One of the most important books published this year, and will probably prove to be one of the most important this century. An attempt to suggest new ways of thinking and feeling . . . nobody can hope to understand the times in which we live unless they have read Straw Dogs."  Sue Corrigan, Mail on Sunday "At once daunting and enthralling, Gray's remarkable new book shows us what it would be like to live without the distraction of consolations."   Adam Phillips  "This powerful and brilliant book is an essential guide to the new Millennium. Straw Dogs challenges all our assumptions about what it is to be human, and convincingly shows that most of them are delusions."   J.G. Ballard