First UK edition, first impression (published in the USA in 1966). xii, 390pp, illustrated with line drawings in text. Purple cloth-covered boards with gilt lettering on black relief on spine. 8vo. Cloth very slightly pushed at spine ends. The odd spot on first and last few pages. In its original illustrated dust wrapper, a little rubbed at edges, with small nick on leading corners. Complete with original banner indicating the volumes Collectors Editions Club Choice status. Dust wrapper in an old protective sleeve, fitted without the use of tape or adhesives (the protective sleeve is itself a little crumpled and tatty).
Both controversial and influential at the time of its publication, Ardrey's Territorial Imperative did much to foster wide public interest in the origins of mankind. With an strong emphasis on mankind's sense of territory as a driving developmental force, Ardrey builds the argument that man's origins were African rather than Asian, and that he is driven by inherited instincts to acquire land and defend territory.
