Synaesthesia: The Strangest Thing

by John E. Harrison

Synaesthesia is a confusion of the senses, whereby stimulation of one sense triggers stimulation in a completely different sensory modality. A synaesthete might claim to be able to hear colors, taste shapes, describe the color, shape, and flavor of someone's voice or music, the sound of which looks like 'shards of glass'. Throughout history, many notable artists and writers have claimed to suffer from synaesthesia, including, Arthur Rimbaud, Wassily Kandinsky, Vladimir Nabokov, and David Hockney. The condition remains as controversial now as when first brought to the public eye many years ago--one notable scientist dismissing it as mere 'romantic neurology.' In the strangest thing , a world authority on synaesthesia takes us on a fascinating tour of this mysterious condition, looking at historical incidences of synaesthesia, unraveling the theories for the condition, and additionally, examining the claims to synaesthesia of the likes of Rimbaud, Baudelaire, and
others. The result is an exciting, yet scientific account of an incredible condition--one that will tell us of a world rich with the most unbelievable sensory experiences.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

294 pages, Hardcover

First published June 7, 2001

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best comprehensive review of synesthesia historically and today that I have found. Harrison presents theories and summarizes research in a clear, concise manner that is accessible to everyone. I found the whole book fascinating.