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. (Literature--Classics & Contemporary)
A Natural History of the Senses (Vintage)
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
"One of the real tests of writers," notes Ackerman in this liveliest of nature books, "is how well they write about smells. If they can't describe the scent of sanctity in a church, can you trust them to describe the suburbs of the heart?" Ackerman passes the test, writing with ease and fluency about the five senses. Did you know that bat guano smells like stale Wheat Thins? That Bach's music can quell anger around the world? That the leaves that shimmer so beautifully in fall have "no adaptive purpose"? Ackerman does, and she guides us through questions of sensation with an eye for the amusingly arcane reference and just the right phrase.
From Publishers Weekly
Physiology and philosophy mesh in this poetic investigation of the five senses; essays explore synesthesia, food taboos, kissing and the power and diversity of music. "Rooted in science, enlivened by her own convincing sense of wonder, Ackerman's essays awaken us to a fresh awareness," said PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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More About the Author
Diane Ackerman is the acclaimed author of "A Natural History of the Senses," the bestselling "The Zookeeper's Wife," "Dawn Light," and many other books. She lives in Ithaca, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When I first read Diane Ackerman's book it opened my eyes, just as these other reviews testify. It does seem to be a book people either love or hate (I have some friends who thought it was sentimental babbling) but that doesn't change how extravagantly Ackerman uses language itself to convey the lush world of the senses. I teach a creative writing course at SFSU and I use the book to promote both that poetic description and the possibilities for experience and awareness the book evokes. An excellent example of the ways poetry can be used to explain science and experience.
44 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
After reading a few of Ackerman's New Yorker pieces, as well as The Moon by Whale Light and her contribution to Sisters of the Earth, I knew I would eventually read all of her books. A Natural History of the Senses does not disappoint. It flows like cool water through literature, history, music, politics, philosophy, and poetry. As a writer, I appreciate this book as a resource of my own, a way to deepen my understanding of our sensory appreciation of the world - but also as an example of beautiful writing by a master of the craft.
In a nutshell, I wish Diane Ackerman lived next door to me.
In a nutshell, I wish Diane Ackerman lived next door to me.
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By Shaun Roundy
Format:Paperback
The best writing I have ever read. Totally engaging essays that will not only teach you more than you ever thought there was to know about our five senses (and more!) but will also make you laugh out loud because the writing is that good. Your world will never be the same again--or should I say, you will never see your world the same way. You will forever be more aware of the stunning intricacy, simplicity, and beauty of life that surrounds us.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book and good read
Diane Ackerman is an excellent writer combining scientific knowledge with word wizardry! She makes could be a rather dry subject very readable and entertaining. Read more
Published 1 month ago by qcarroll
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful book
Diane Ackerman is masterful with words. It's a lovely book, though it's best if you only digest a small section at a time. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sarah Wright
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spectacular and lyrical writing!
Beatifully written. I can't recommend this book enough!
Please read anything by Ms Ackerman. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Please read anything by Ms Ackerman. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Published 2 months ago by Judy Trenkle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating and well-written
I'd recommend this book to anyone, but as a writer, I discovered so many unusual and interesting facets about seldom thought of subjects. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Rebbie Macintyre
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Very Surprisingly Good Read
A Required read for a class, surprisingly good. This book is very well written, easy to understand and comprehend. I highly recommend it.
Published 3 months ago by Patricia Wallace
4.0 out of 5 stars
good read
Good read! the book was easy to follow and read like a conversation. Filled with great facts that really made me think about all of our senses and how they relate to each other.
Published 5 months ago by kamjay
5.0 out of 5 stars
liked
This is also a favorite bedside read and reread. Truly a very interesting book, well researched and very informative. Her books make a nice gift for special people in your life.
Published 5 months ago by Sharon L. Arthur
4.0 out of 5 stars
Too Good
I absolutely love this book, well-researched work. The author kept it interesting as well, nice to know bit of science behind our senses.
Published 5 months ago by Bujji
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ackerman does it again!
Actually, I haven't read this book yet. I book it for my wife and she is still reading and rereading it, although she stops long enough to read certain passages to me. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Robert Jager
2.0 out of 5 stars
Think "Romance," not "Science"
I was hoping for a book that would contain interesting facts. Maybe somewhat along the lines of Micheal Pollan's The Botany of Desire. Boy was I in for a surprise! Read more
Published 9 months ago by W. Dormann
