A Natural History of the Senses
by Diane Ackerman
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Book Reviews of A Natural History of the Senses
Book Review: A cultural and evolutionary history of the senses...
Summary: 5 Stars
In A Natural History of The Senses, Diane Ackerman examines the history of the evolutionary and cultural development of the senses and their role in the creation of consciousness. In order to accomplish this ambitious feat, she discusses each individual sense organ in detail thereby creating a sort of anthropological journey through the world of sensation. She provides the reader with original insight into how our senses mold our lives whether it is through love or memory.
Casual readers will enjoy perusing through the sensual fields Ackerman lays before them and discovering various facts concerning sensation and perception. Students of psychology would love this book for its unique emphasis on Ackerman's idea that sensation equals consciousness which she grounds in a thorough history of the evolution of the senses.
Book Review: A perfect book for lazy, quiet afternoons
Summary: 4 Stars
I loved the experiences Diane Ackerman shares in this book. She seems to have the ability to dive wholeheartedly into one aspect of being, whether that is to enfold herself completely in the pleasures of a single scent or explore the mysteries of what it means to different individuals to hear a strain of music.My only complaint about the style of the book is how often Ackerman drifts into romantic prose that sounds lovely but is ultimately without substance. Examining the factual and historical nuances of the five senses is engaging enough; I felt that the long passionate passages were too much of a good thing.
My recommendation would be to read this book during long stretches of quiet time alone, or while soaking in a scented bath. Either environment is ideal for this wonderful, poetic contemplation of human experience.
Book Review: "The Heady Succulence of Life" (p. 41)
Summary: 5 Stars
Imagine having a witty and informed guided tour of one's own sensory apparatus! That is what Ackerman offers. By turns intensely intellectual and cybaritic, the result is an irresistable romp through the world of newly magnified familiarities.
Some gems: chocolate as "an emotional food" (p. 154). "Hands are messengers of emotion" (p. 118). "The tongue is like a kingdom divided into principalities according to sensory talent" (p. 139).
And on page 20: "Smell was the first of our senses, and it was so successful that in time the small lump of olfactory tissue atop the nerve cord grew into a brain. Our cerebral hemispheres were originally buds from the olfactory stalks. We THINK because we SMELLED."
Highly recommended. A terrific mental flight while trying to endure air travel!
Book Review: intriguing history
Summary: 5 Stars
Naturalist-writer Diane Ackerman explores our five senses, and also devotes a chapter to synesthesia, or the ability to assign colors to sounds. Beginning with smell,she explores such diverse topics as monarch butterflies, perspiration, pheromones, sneezing, roses and perfume makes. In "Touch," she focuses on the contrast between animals and humans, kissing, pain, taboos and more. In "Taste," she describes the connection between food and sex, including chocolate. In "Hearing," she deals with music and deafness among other topics. And in a "Vision," she looks at light, color and how to watch the sky, among other topics. In some places, Ackerman's prose is almost painfully rich, but in others it deftly captures the aspects of this sensual exploration.
Book Review: A Fantastic Journey From First Page To Last
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the most beautiful book I have ever read. It opened my eyes to the world and how its viewed by all of our senses. I will never just brew myself a cup of coffee ever again. Instead, I will feel the grinds in my hand, savor the rich aroma, hear the pop and hum of the coffee maker and then taste the rich, earthy coffee.Yes, this is a journey for the senses but also an expansion of the mind. Ackerman expands the mind with some of the most interesting facts about nature, science, and history. Not boring humdrum facts you could care less about but meaningful tidbits of knowledge you'll want to impress your friends with.
This is not just a book; it's an experience; for your senses, your mind, and your soul.