It took me a second but I realized that Larson is doing a take on Robert Sapolsky. I read his books and they made a big impression. Steve was the one who brought them to my attention, likely in a review somewhere. Steve thought highly of his work, as well. A Primate’s Memoir is a really good read. It is embarrassing how much we are like the baboons he studies in it.
His Behave book is loaded with great insight into people. I have never finished it and regret it.