A tour of the body, telling the natural (evolutionary) history of each part, and the cultural history that records our response to it. Starting with the head, it moves down, chapter-by-chapter to end with the feet. Chapter titles include Samson'sHair, What's an Eye Without an Eyebrow? A Brief History of Navel-Gazing and Why do Men Have Nipples? With memorable insights, amusing anecdotes and revelations on every page.

In this amusing and brilliantly conceived book, Michael Sims introduces you to your body. Moving from head to toe, Sims blends cultural history with evolutionary theory to produce a wonderfully original narrative in which he analyzes the visible parts of the body. In this fascinating brew of science and storytelling, readers encounter not only accessible explanations of the mechanics of their anatomy, but also the layers of mythology, religious lore, history, Darwinian theory, and popular culture that have helped to shape our understanding of any given body part. A titillating and unique book, Adam’s Navel is learned and entertaining, a marvelous lens through which to study the form we all inhabit—but may not really understand.

Contains thirty of the author's essays from monthly columns in Natural History Magazine.

An entirely original portrait of a young writer shutting out the din in order to find her own voice

Popular questions with answers that are both plausible and faith-strengthening in a unique resource willing to answer confusing questions with fresh insights.