"First published in 2005 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, Ltd, London"--T.p. verso.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 333-360) and index.

The mystery of music : the need for an evolutionary history of music -- pt. 1: The present. More than cheesecake? : the similarities and differences between music and language -- Music without language : the brain, aphasia, and musical savants -- Language without music : acquired and congenital amusia -- The modularity of music and language : music processing within the brain -- Talking and singing to baby : brain maturation, language learning, and perfect pitch -- Music hath charms and can heal : music, emotion, medicine, and intelligence -- pt. 2: The past. Grunts, barks, and gestures : communication by monkeys and apes -- Songs on the savannah : the origin of "hmmmm" communication -- Getting into rhythm : the evolution of bipedalism and dance -- Imitating nature : communication about the natural world -- Singing for sex : Is music a product of sexual selection? -- The demands of parenthood : human life history and emotional development -- Making music together : the significance of cooperation and social bonding -- Neanderthals in love : "hmmmmm" communication by Homo neanderthalensis -- The origin of language : the origin of Homo sapiens and the segmentation of "hmmmmm" -- A mystery explained, but not diminished : modern human dispersal, communicating with the gods, and the remnants of "hmmmmm."