Gestures: Their Origins and Distribution : Book Review

Desmond Morris's book "Gestures" offers a captivating journey into the realm of non-verbal communication, revealing how our body language speaks volumes about our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Drawing from his background as a zoologist, Morris delves into the diverse world of gestures and their cultural significance, unraveling the intricate tapestry of human interaction often overlooked in our day-to-day lives.

Through engaging anecdotes and scientific research, Morris sheds light on both the universal gestures that are shared across cultures and the unique gestures that are specific to different regions and societies. Spanning various dimensions of human behavior, such as status, power, mating, and aggression, "Gestures" presents a comprehensive exploration of these non-verbal cues that shape our social interactions.

What sets this book apart is Morris's ability to make complex concepts accessible and entertaining. By weaving together scientific analysis with personal stories and examples, he creates a compelling narrative that will captivate both experts and general readers. Additionally, the inclusion of illustrations enhances the reader's understanding, making it easier to grasp the intricacies of each gesture discussed.

Beyond its exploration of individual gestures, "Gestures" offers invaluable insights into cross-cultural communication. Morris emphasizes how gestures can carry vastly different meanings and interpretations across societies, highlighting the importance of understanding these cultural nuances. By gaining a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human expression, readers can navigate intercultural interactions with greater sensitivity and respect.

In essence, "Gestures" by Desmond Morris is a thought-provoking examination of a topic often overlooked in our everyday lives. It challenges readers to examine their own body language while unlocking the fascinating complexities of human communication. Whether for personal or professional reasons, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of human behavior and the intricate ways we convey meaning without words.

What are readers saying?

Desmond Morris's book "Gestures" has received a mix of reviews from readers, with varying opinions on its content. Overall, the book has been commended for its comprehensive exploration of non-verbal communication and its engaging writing style. However, some readers believe that the information presented is outdated and lacks sufficient scientific evidence.

Many reviewers appreciate Morris's in-depth analysis of different gestures and their meanings. They find his coverage of various cultures and societies to be thorough, highlighting both the universality and differences in gestures. The book is praised for shedding light on the often overlooked aspects of communication that extend beyond spoken words.

Readers also enjoy the engaging writing style employed by Morris. Despite the book being based on scientific research, he manages to present the information in a manner that is accessible and captivating for a wide range of readers. The incorporation of anecdotes and examples further enhances the understanding and implementation of the discussed concepts.

However, there are some negative reviews that criticize the book for its outdated content. Though the book may have been groundbreaking at the time of its publication over 40 years ago, readers argue that there have been significant advancements in the field of non-verbal communication since then.

In addition, a few reviewers express a desire for more scientific evidence to support the claims made by Morris. While the book is engaging and provides valuable insights, they feel that it falls short in terms of scientific rigor and depth of analysis that they anticipated.

gesturebook bookrecommendation literarygestures