This volume investigates the evolutionary origins of our musical abilities, the nature of music, and the earliest archaeological evidence for musical activities amongst our ancestors. It seeks to understand the relationship between our musical capabilities and the development of our social, emotional, and communicative abilities as a species. An up-to-date and authoritative overview of recent research on evolution and cognition of musicality . . . a comprehensive and sophisticated outline of the present state of play by a leading authority . . . The text is geared seamlessly to academics, students, and general readership; its accessible style and keen exposition will no doubt garner enthusiasm for the project.