Adam's navel : a natural and cultural history of the human form by Sims, Michael, 1958- instant download

Adam's navel : a natural and cultural history of the human form by Sims, Michael, 1958- instant download

342 pages : 22 cm, An informed survey, Adam's Navel is a unique brew of science, history, and storytelling that illuminates our perception, exploitation, and celebration of the human body. Moving from head to toe in twelve chapters, Michael Sims blends cultural history with evolutionary theory to produce a wonderfully original narrative. \"No part of the body lacks a story,\" writes Sims, who analyzes and demystifies the visible parts of the body that make up the whole-our animal form that is also a screen onto which we project our fears and obsessions. He tells of dreadlocks and Achilles' heel, of fingerprints and penis size. He discusses the history of breastfeeding, the allure of navel rings, ancient rules for shaking hands, why nature builds men and women on a female body plan, and how the evolution of our two-legged stance affects childbirth and back pain. Drawing on evolution and the mechanics of human anatomy, along with Shakespeare, mythology, film, and popular culture, Sims creates a marvelous new lens through which to view this body that we inhabit almost unconsciously. Adam's Navel is a field guide to the landscape of ourselves, Includes bibliographical references (pages 315-327) and index, Overture: Skin deep. -- Part One: Headquarters. The not-quite-naked ape ; Face-to-face ; The vigilant eye ; Lend me your ears ; A ridiculous organ ; The archaic smile -- Part Two: The weight of the world. Arms and the man ; The monkey's paw ; Madonna del latte ; Adam's navel -- Part Three: A leg to stand on. Privy members ; Our steed the leg