A Natural History of the Senses | 
 enlarge | Author: Diane Ackerman
Publisher: Vintage
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  61 reviews
Sales Rank: 10815
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 352
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.2 x 0.8
ISBN: 0679735666
Dewey Decimal Number: 152.1
EAN: 9780679735663
ASIN: 0679735666
Publication Date: September 10, 1991
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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.
Product Description
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)
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| Customer Reviews: Read 56 more reviews...
 An All Time Top Favorite! September 5, 2008
One of my very top all time favorites. Ackerman's writing is fantastic, and the subject is incredible. Cannot recommend highly enough-- I even own multiple loaner-copies! Before reading this, a book review would be about the story, characters, content. After reading..all that along with the texture of the print on the paper, the color of the cover, the smell of the ink, the quality of light while you were reading.. it opens your eyes and appreciation to a much richer world where all your senses are in play, all the time! A MUST READ.
 Fascinating book July 3, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. It is full of interesting information about the five senses. I gave it only 4 out of 5 stars though because I thought the chapters on hearing and vision got a little off the topic at times.
Such a good writer May 30, 2008
After reading "The Zookeepers Wife" I wanted to read more Diane Ackerman. She's such a great combination of scientist and poet - presenting fascinating facts in an engaging manner. Her writing informs and entertains and inspires me to write. Go Diane!
Warning: This book could change your life! April 27, 2008
Ackerman brilliantly weaves science, history, anthropology, and personal anecdotes in this incredible book. After reading it, I've become more conscious of everything around me-smells, tastes, textures, sights, sounds. The chapter on smell is especially powerful.
If you are a fan of Annie Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, then you will love this book as well.
The Human Experience January 16, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
A Natural History of the Senses is a wild romp through smell, taste, hearing, touch and sight. It is also a guided tour of how humans experience the world. At times the writing has a rare beauty to the point of being poetic while at other times it is exotic, intimate and revealing.
Each chapter reveals the intricacies of the topic at hand except the last two chapters seem slightly off focus. At times Diane Ackerman deviates wildly from her chosen topic and then gets back on track. For example, while discussing vision she ends up talking about weather patterns.
Through this book you may discover how kissing originated or why tea is harmful without milk. Why do woman crave pickles during pregnancy? What motivates people to watch horror movies?
Diane Ackerman is well traveled and has a inquisitive mind. I enjoyed reading new information about chocolate, vanilla and truffles. If you like to keep yourself fortified with useful information then this book is destined to please.
~The Rebecca Review
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