Mimesis and the Human Animal: On the Biogenetic Foundations of Literary Representation

In Mimesis and the Human Animal, Robert Storey argues that human culture derives from human biology and that literary representation therefore must have a biological basis. As he ponders the question "What does it mean to say that art imitates life?" he must consider both "What is life?" and "What is art?"

A unique approach to the subject of mimesis, Storey's book goes beyond the politicizing of literature grounded in literary theory to develop a scientific basis for the creation of literature and art.

"[S]ucceeds in showing that for scholars of literature with a truly theoretical bent, study of the biological and behavioral sciences can provide a solid foundation for promising interdisciplinary literary research." --World Literature Today