Bite: An Incisive History of Teeth from Hagfish to Humans

Teeth have played an underappreciated role in vertebrate evolution, argues zoologist Schutt (Cannibalism) in this animated study. Exploring the various forms and uses of animal teeth, he explains that narwhal tusks are actually “modified upper canines” capable of detecting changes in salinity and describes how they’re used for “jousting,” in which males cross tusks in competition for mates. Many animals’ teeth evolved to enable particular diets, Schutt notes, discussing how prehistoric horses developed high-crowned teeth so they could handle the wear-and-tear from corrosive compounds in grass, and how vampire bats developed incisors sharp enough to draw blood undetected by their prey. Though the balance of the book focuses on cobras, lionfish, shrews, and other animals, Schutt also examines the role of teeth in human history, covering the ancient Etruscan practice of wearing metal grills to signify status, George Washington’s dental woes, and the tooth fairy’s origins in a 1908 housekeeping column. Schutt’s tone is dryly funny (after noting 18th-century French surgeon Pierre Fauchard’s recommendation that “his patients use their own urine as mouthwash,” Schutt remarks, “shockingly, many people stuck to alternatives like toothpicks”), and his conversational prose reads as if an erudite friend were explaining their life’s passion over drinks. Pop science aficionados will want to sink their teeth into this. Agent: Gillian MacKenzie, Gillian MacKenzie Agency. (Aug.)