Miller’s argument focusses on “fitness factors” in mating strategies. In humans these are far more complex than in the rest of animal kingdom. In his view, the factors must be mainly expressed by the male, and by adults more than the young. They must be elements that can be judged by females before mating, and the more vivid the presentation, the more likely the mating will be. In human societies, the presentation may not even be displayed by the male, but may be “purchased” – hence, movies, concerts, art objects may be bought in the pursuit of females instead of actually created by the suitor.

And what of the suitor’s object of his quest? Are human females simply gawking airheads waiting to see which male displays or buys the best offering in the mating game? Far from it, contends Miller. He makes the claim that will be hotly contested by feminazis, that historically, males predominate in literature, the arts and business. Recognizing that female cognitive skills match those of human males, he argues that the female mind had to evolve in parallel with that of males’. However, their skills reside in assessing the worth of what males are offering. They must make the judgement of which “fitness factors” are the most attractive. Hence, if men developed language ability to “show off” their creativity, women evolved the ability to evaluate how skillfully the men performed. Miller’s analysis is not empty rhetoric. He reviews a broad range of behaviour patterns, attributing to each the evolutionary roots likely involved in developing them.

Miller’s prose skills are outstanding in this valuable survey. His use of metaphor keeps you smiling as he presents his case. He transforms a Satin Bowerbird into an effete artist at one point. This comical account has the bird explaining why the bower nest is under constant niggling attention by the male until its arrangement successfully attracts a mate. It’s indicative of Miller’s high quality imagination. Make no mistake, however, this book isn’t just a frolic promoting Miller’s abilities as a raconteur. His message is serious, and what he’s proposed requires serious reflection. His thesis explains many facets of the human condition and must be considered earnestly. You may even find something of yourself in this book, which is as good a reason to buy it as any.