Adam's Navel: A Natural and Cultural History of the Human Body (Color Illustrations)

Author: Mike Sims
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: As humans, who claim to be the most advanced beings on Earth, we can imagine the appearance of angels in our wildest dreams. Yet, we are still mere mortals with flesh and blood. After feeling disappointed, we can read "The Belly of Adam: A Natural and Cultural History of the Human Body" by American author Mike Sims. After reading it, we will realize that the physical bodies we inherit from our ancestors are truly remarkable. "The Belly of Adam: A Natural and Cultural History of the Human Body" combines scientific knowledge with engaging storytelling. It provides simple and easy-to-understand anatomical explanations of the human body while weaving in dry Darwinian evolution and trendy popular culture throughout the text. For example, in the chapter on hands, we can learn about how tiny nerve endings in our hands work, the history of handshakes, the relationship between gestures and language, and even how the writer Marcel Proust evaluated our hands, which are so important. The book also covers the history of breastfeeding, why we cry, the art and science of reading lips, and more. In the chapter on noses, you can discover why the philosopher Nietzsche said his inspiration was all in his nose. From Louis Armstrong's scarred lips to the fangs of Count Dracula, "The Belly of Adam: A Natural and Cultural History of the Human Body" is like a feast for the human body. After reading it, we can gain insight into our bodies, which we inhabit yet know so little about, and experience a thrilling journey through the human body. Along the way, we travel through the long history of human evolution and savor the wonders of the human body.