cover image The Compassionate Beast

The Compassionate Beast

Morton Hunt. Anchor Books, $11 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-385-41859-1

Genetic inheritance, learned behavior and feelings of guilt and personal satisfaction all contribute to a person's capacity for selfless behavior from politeness to heroism, says Hunt. ``This entertaining, optimistic book on the paradox of altruism . . . will be of particular interest to readers who serve as volunteers,'' said PW. (Oct.)