A Natural History of the Senses

Diane Ackerman. Vintage Books USA, $15.95 (352pp) ISBN 978-0-679-73566-3

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. (Sept.)

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