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A Natural History of the Senses
A Natural History of the Senses
Author: Diane Ackerman
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. 
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ISBN-13: 9780679735663
ISBN-10: 0679735666
Publication Date: 9/10/1991
Pages: 331
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 54

3.8 stars, based on 54 ratings
Publisher: Vintage
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

pipil avatar reviewed A Natural History of the Senses on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
There are books that seem to let you see the time flying by, and this is one of them.

She will let you feel in your chest the vibrations from the space shuttle when it takes off. She will make you hold your breath in a cavern filled with water. You will smell perfumes from long ago.

Wisdom, knowledge, science, feelings, all weaved with poetry.

Watch yourself or you will feel your own tears coming down your own cheeks.

Yes, it is that good.
Bernie avatar reviewed A Natural History of the Senses on
Helpful Score: 1
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
reviewed A Natural History of the Senses on + 70 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great read. Not dry at all, some very interesting facts.
reviewed A Natural History of the Senses on
Helpful Score: 1
Much like in A Natural History of Love, Ackerman combines a profound interest in natural science, evolution and the animal world (and humanity's place in it) with a love of language, observation and sense-experience.
owlandtwig avatar reviewed A Natural History of the Senses on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Diane Ackerman paints a magical, exquisite path of words as you explore the five senses & beyond through the talent of her pen. Along the way you will learn some pretty amazing facts about body, mind, self, and the amazing world around us all. This is a truly mesmerizing journey that you won't want to put down until it's over. The only complaint I have is that it is written twenty years ago (1990) so this will date the information just a little. Plus, it does contain some un-PC words like "Orientals" to describe Asians & a total disregard for veganism/ vegetarianism with misinformation about protein.
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reviewed A Natural History of the Senses on + 37 more book reviews
One of those books I always wanted to read. I learned a lot of interesting things . Her belief in evolution is evident !
I "see" the world differantly after reading this.!
reviewed A Natural History of the Senses on + 407 more book reviews
This was a beautifully written, informative book about the five senses. Ackerman's descriptive writing kept me engaged and I enjoyed learning about the different ways we perceive the world.
nashua avatar reviewed A Natural History of the Senses on
Great read!!!!!!


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