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Deborah Blum
Deborah Blum is the author of Love at Goon Park, a fascinating look at primate intelligence. She writes engaging non-fiction that makes complex science accessible.
Love at Goon Park
This biography explores the groundbreaking and controversial work of psychologist Harry Harlow, focusing on his studies of primate behavior and attachment. Blum examines how Harlow's research, conducted at the University of Wisconsin Primate Laboratory, challenged existing theories of child development and love. The book delves into the ethical considerations of his experiments while highlighting their lasting impact on our understanding of social bonds.
The title refers to the nickname given to the University of Wisconsin psychology department where Harry Harlow conducted his research. The lab was located at 600 North Park Street, and the handwritten address was frequently misread as Goon Park.
This book serves as a follow-up to the author's earlier work, The Monkey Wars, which focused on the ethics of animal experimentation. While the previous book drew criticism from those who knew Harlow, this biography provides a more comprehensive look at his life and scientific contributions.