The biology of rapid eye movement sleep has puzzled scientists since its initial description in 1953. McNamara (neurology, Boston U. School of Medicine) considers the psychobiology of REM sleep in the light of evolutionary theories involving genetic conflict and costly signaling, which help explain some aspects of REM expression across the life span. McNamara finds REM sleep and dreams to be crucial to human behavior, well-being, and culture. His highly technical account is intended to explore new approaches to potential functions of REM and REM-related dreaming. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)