From Library Journal
This remarkable book argues that the rise of materialistic, patriarchal western civilization has been accompanied by the elevation of the eye over the ear as the preferred sensory organ, with profoundly negative results for humankind. To support this thesis, the author--a theoretical physicist, jazz scholar, and world traveler--takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the realms of comparative anthropology, mythology, acoustics, biology, psychology, and dozens of related fields. Berendt draws sweeping yet believable analogies; almost every chapter contains revelations and unusual perceptions that give great pleasure. At times, however, his missionary zeal leads him to overstate a point, and much of the material is repetitive. These shortcomings can be overlooked, given the fundamental truth of the message. Extensive notes and a valuable bibliography accompany this fluent, engaging translation from the German edition published in 1985. Highly recommended.
- Larry Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Larry Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Language Notes
Text: English
Original Language: German
Original Language: German
