Ebook A Natural History of the Senses Diane Ackerman 9780679735663 Books
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Diane Ackerman's lusciously written grand tour of the realm of the senses includes conversations with an iceberg in Antarctica and a professional nose in New York, along with dissertations on kisses and tattoos, sadistic cuisine and the music played by the planet Earth.
“Delightful . . . gives the reader the richest possible feeling of the worlds the senses take in.” —The New York Times
Ebook A Natural History of the Senses Diane Ackerman 9780679735663 Books
"I am interested in the senses -- what's going on behind the curtain. This is not the book to sate that appetite. Instead, this is a book that flits from one thing to another in a seemingly purposeless manner; a stream of consciousness. I had trouble reading more than a few pages."
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A Natural History of the Senses Diane Ackerman 9780679735663 Books Reviews :
A Natural History of the Senses Diane Ackerman 9780679735663 Books Reviews
- It really depends on what you want from the book.
I bought it as a scientific discussion of the senses, and it falls far short of that mark, providing only scant facts.
On the other hand,it is a well written exposition on the senses, human emotions and behavior, and our perception of and interactions with the world.
If that's what you're looking for, add a star or two. - I am very specific when it comes to what I read.
These are the reasons/pros for buying this book
1. Heard of Diane, but never read her books and heard this is one of her top books
2. I love descriptive & realistic books that take my mind into a blissful state
3. Not long and unbearable in length or tone
4. Amazing diction (choice of wording) that you'll literally want to quote so many parts of this book
5. Okay, there seriously isn't any other book that made me feel like this...
This author is now my favorite and I will be reading her other books. This is ironically beyond words. I am not sure how she does it, but somehow really makes you feel and doesn't quite make me realise I'm just reading a book.
I highly recommend, even if you're not a big reader. - This is one of the best books I have ever read. So much information on so many different things. The author's writing style is amazing. She has a way of teaching both history and science in a way that is more like a story than a bunch of dry, boring facts. I have read this book multiple times and am always surprised by all the things I forgot that I had previously read in it! I have bought this book for multiple people and bought it for myself twice since I gave my copy to a friend. (I quickly regretted doing that!) I will definitely be reading the rest of her books.
- Diane Ackerman gives haunting descriptions of our five primary senses and how we have culturally and historically used them. Her prose is rich, vivid and sumptuous. And she shatters many inaccurate beliefs we've held about some cultures' various hygiene practices. Highly recommend this book.
- This is one of those books you should have in your personal library for many reasons. First, this is a good read. Second, you learn alot about many things too numerous to mention, but in a fun way so you don't feel like you're learning. Third, if you have inspirations to be a writer, you will want to first read the book for enjoyment, then to learn along the way, but lastly be blown away by Ackerman's writing style. Good study! What more could one want from a book. I've given away & reordered this book for my personal collection more times than I can remember. Am a fan of Ackerman's other books also so if you like this one, check into her others!
- {Review writte in July 2004}
I read A Natural History of the Senses back in 1991, when it first came out ...
If you're an aspiring writer, if you enjoy meditation and/or sensory deprivation (or other activities designed to heighten your sensory awareness), or even if you're just an unpracticed closet sensualist eager for new experiences, then do not walk ... RUN ... run out and by this book. Better still, click on our "Buy Books" link, locate it, and select overnight shipment. You'll thank me for it.
Yes, it really is THAT good.
Ackerman gives us a first hand tour de force overview of our 5 bodily senses, from the historical, scientific, philosophical, artistic and literary vantagepoints. With the giddy delight of someone with a rapt attention for fine details, not to mention a true gift for words, she takes us on a rich journey of the subtle and the sublime ... from the musky scent of fire-warmed leather, to the plaintive cry of a lonely loon hidden in the misty wilderness, to the rousing plushness of crushed velvet, to the crisp-tart taste of muscat grapes plucked straight from their sun-ripened vines.
No need for me to wax poetic, because that's what this work is all about ... it's a master class in understanding the senses we use to percieve the world itself.
Sure, there are people out there who think that books like this are just lightweight literary fluff ... such people reveal themselves to be the same undiscerning people who are blindly content to live on fast food slop, who never stop to relax and fully appreciate a beautiful sunset, and who mechanically motor off into the rat race without pausing for a long moment to nuzzle in the musky warmth of their lover's neck and hair, and to beam love for a long languid moment into their mate's eyes. For those cannot appreciate the subtleties such things, I feel nothing but pity. Go right ahead and wallow in your detached mediocrity ... and whatever you do, do NOT buy this book, because it'll only upset you to realize all the things you've been missing out on all these years. You've been living your life in the lowest possible resolution, and you have nobody to blame but yourself.
Anyway, this book is easily one of the most enjoyable and satisfying books I've read to date. - I have many of Diane Ackerman's books; have enjoyed reading them all and been inspired by many of her essays. I read this book first, and think it will always be my favorite. I just purchased another copy for a dear friend to celebrate her earning master's degree. I'd recommend this as a great gift for anyone interested in nonfiction writing, nature writing, learning new things, science, the senses, and lovely reads!
- I am interested in the senses -- what's going on behind the curtain. This is not the book to sate that appetite. Instead, this is a book that flits from one thing to another in a seemingly purposeless manner; a stream of consciousness. I had trouble reading more than a few pages.
