Marianne Legato's study traces the fragility of men throughout their lives, from prenatal development to the aging process and death. Legato contrasts men's relative biological weakness with the traditional social expectations that boys should take risks of greater physical danger and endure greater pain than women. After a comprehensive discussion of the innate differences between the male and female of the species, she concludes with practical advice and suggestions for helping men spend a bit more time on the planet.