A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman, LuAnn Walther

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1991 Paperback Fine Vintage 1991 "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 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. 1991.

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1991-09-10 Paperback Like New Practically brand new; read once. Covers are in perfect condition with a hint of tanning to inside front and rear covers.

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New York 1991 Trade pb 1st Vintage Books ed. Fine. No dust jacket, as issued. Later printing. (pbk. ): xix, 331 p. ; 20 cm. Includes bibliographical references (p. [311]-315) and index.

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