The Naked Woman: A Study of the Female Body

By Desmond Morris

Book Overview

Internationally bestselling author and world-famous human behaviorist Desmond Morris turns his attention to the female form, taking the reader on a guided tour of the female body from head to toe. Highlighting the evolutionary functions of various physiological traits, Morris's study explores the various forms of enhancement and constraint that human societies have developed in the quest for the perfect female form. This is very much vintage Desmond Morris, delivered in his trademark voice: direct, clear, focused, and communicating what is often complex detail in simple language. In THE NAKED WOMAN, Desmond builds on his unrivalled experience as an observer of the human animal while tackling one of his most fascinating and challenging subjects to date.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031233852X
• ISBN13: 9780312338527
• Release Date: August 2005
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.1" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating look at the most fascinating creature

Do these questions interest you... How did mouth kissing among humans begin? How unique in nature are all those female facial expressions? Are teeth different in men and women and if so, why? Which part of a woman is highly erotic in the East, but much less so in the West? What is the least erotic body part of a woman? What is the origin of an audience clapping their hands in applause? How many women have more than two breasts and how many might they have? How and why do women have strong sexual signals on both sides of their body? What is really behind constant changes in modern female clothing styles? If so, this is the book for you. Morris provides a comprehensive head to toe survey of the female human from a zoological, sociological and historical perspective. Each chapter covers a body part of a woman like the eyes, lips, neck, feet, etc. etc. In fact, one third of the books content is on the parts of the head. The same pattern is followed for each body part to give great insights into its historical and sociological views up to the present time. Fashion trends are next, then biology/anatomy and the sexual significance. Sex is considered in nearly aspect of every part as Morris presents the female human as the most sensual and sexual creature on the planet. In short, the book makes the case that nearly everything about a woman, physical and non-physical, is ultimately about sex in some way, mostly directly. As an example, the social-historical pattern of trying to produce the super-feminine is extensively documented. Whether it is smaller feet, larger breasts, fuller lips or longer necks, nearly everything has been, and is being, tried. If a slight difference in anatomy indicates being female, then culture tries to take that attribute to an extreme to produce the super feminine, perhaps super-sexy woman. In the biological category, Morris brings his background as zoologist to bear as he repeatedly demonstrates the principle of neotony in both men and women. Briefly, neotony is the preservation of some child-like or adolescent characteristics through the lifetime. These are expressed differently in men and women but humans have the greatest degree of neotony of any animal. There are plenty of insights into men in the book, but the emphasis is on the more subtle and complex woman. Morris also does not shy away from describing the mistreatment women have endured through the ages. Modern day cosmetic surgeries are placed in historical perspective. Most of the alterations have been going on for a long time, but it was cruder, riskier and sometimes crueler in the past (and sometimes still today). While there is more material on Western female trends, the author makes an effort to be global in all considerations. This is not a science book. It is an interesting and well written study for the popular audience. This might matter to some readers looking for a high quality of argumentation in the case Morris presents, which is quite

EXCELLENT BOOK

I found this to be an excellent book which every woman should read to have a far better understanding of her body. Too many women don't understand their bodies and thus cannot appreciate their capabilities. This is also a book that every man should read to gain a better understanding of the Female Body. This knowledge makes a man much more able to give a woman far greater satisfaction while making love. A great number of divorces result, directly or indirectly, from an unsatisfactory sex life. Generally, this is due to a lack of knowledge on the part of one or both partners.

Just keeps getting better.

As a fan of Mr Morris for many years it is good to see him turn his attention to some of the most important matters in society today. This book has more humour and humanity than many of his earlier works making it easier to read especially for those of a less scientific persuasion.

An absolute delight!

I always enjoy Desmond Morris' books. This one is no exception. It is a real delight to read. Lots of great insights. Lots of basic knowledge you can't believe that you haven't heard or understood before. A must read. -Simon

A Great Way to Spend a Few Hours

Desmond Morris approaches his subjects with a deep understanding and an amusing writing style that makes for a very enjoyable way to get educated. In this book he takes on the female human body, which he calls "far more advanced" than her male counterpart, the result of evolutionary developments that make her the "most remarkable organism" on the planet. While it would be fun to argue these points, you have to remember that women's bodies have to be able to support two beings, and that women tend to live several years longer than men. His comments on society have the ring of an outside observer reporting with amusement. For instance the big flack from the FCC about Janet Jackson's 'wardrobe malfunction' when compared with other societies where women typically go topless. Then again, every culture has such taboos and Mr. Morris is an excellent observer to point them out. He views culture from the point of view of a zoologist and anthropologist. Mr. Morris deserves his status as a best selling author. This is a highly entertaining and informative book.