Title
Anatomies: A Cultural History of the Human Body,Used
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A marvelous, organbyorgan journey through the body eclecticIrresistible [and] impressive.' John J. Ross, Wall Street JournalThe human body is the most fraught and fascinating, talkedabout and taboo, unique yet universal fact of our lives. It is the inspiration for art, the subject of science, and the source of some of the greatest stories ever told. In Anatomies, acclaimed author of Periodic Tales Hugh AlderseyWilliams brings his entertaining blend of science, history, and culture to bear on this richest of subjects.In an engaging narrative that ranges from ancient body art to plastic surgery today and from head to toe, AlderseyWilliams explores the corporeal mysteries that make us human: Why are some people lefthanded and some blueeyed? What is the funny bone, anyway? Why do some cultures think of the heart as the seat of our souls and passions, while others place it in the liver?A journalist with a knack for telling a story, AlderseyWilliams takes part in a drawing class, attends the dissection of a human body, and visits the doctors office and the morgue. But Anatomies draws not just on medical science and AlderseyWilliamss reporting. It draws also on the works of philosophers, writers, and artists from throughout history. AlderseyWilliams delves into our shared cultural heritageShakespeare to Frankenstein, Rembrandt to 2001: A Space Odysseyto reveal how attitudes toward the human body are as varied as human history, as he explains the origins and legacy of tattooing, shrunken heads, bloodletting, fingerprinting, Xrays, and more.From Adams rib to van Goghs ear to Einsteins brain, Anatomies is a treasure trove of surprising facts and stories and a wonderful embodiment of what Aristotle wrote more than two millennia ago: 'The human body is more than the sum of its parts.' 16 illustrations
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Anatomies: A Cultural History of the Human Body'? A: The book explores the human body through a cultural lens, examining its history, significance in art and science, and the various perceptions across different cultures.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Anatomies'? A: The author is Hugh Aldersey-Williams, known for his engaging writing style that blends science, history, and culture.
- Q: How many pages does this book contain? A: The book has 322 pages, providing an in-depth exploration of its subject matter.
- Q: What is the publication date of 'Anatomies'? A: The book was published on May 19, 2014.
- Q: Is 'Anatomies' available in different formats? A: This specific edition is a paperback, but it may also be available in other formats like hardcover or e-book through various retailers.
- Q: What type of illustrations are included in the book? A: The book includes 16 illustrations that complement the text and enhance the reader's understanding of the human body.
- Q: What kind of topics does 'Anatomies' cover? A: It covers a range of topics from ancient body art to modern medical practices, exploring cultural attitudes toward the human body throughout history.
- Q: Is 'Anatomies' suitable for a general audience? A: Yes, the book is written in an engaging narrative style that is accessible to a general audience interested in science and culture.
- Q: What are some themes discussed in the book regarding cultural perceptions of the body? A: Themes include the significance of the heart in different cultures, the concept of tattooing, and the historical contexts of medical practices like bloodletting.
- Q: Can 'Anatomies' be used as a reference for academic purposes? A: Yes, the book provides a well-researched narrative that includes historical references and cultural insights, making it a valuable resource for academic studies in related fields.