The Human Face

by John Cleese

There are six billion faces; yours is unique. The Human Face traces the development of the face in evolution, and using real case studies, it reveals our conceptions of the face in our social and psychological worlds. We have been enchanted by the face for a very long time. Even as tiny babies we are drawn to faces. Thirty minutes after being born, when our eyes can barely focus, we prefer to gaze at faces more than at any other object. Our fascination with them is inbred, and continues all through life. We fall in love with people we find beautiful, and we are endlessly intrigued by the faces of the famous. The Human Face tells the fascinating story of the evolutionary, social and psychological development of the human face. Divided into six chapters on origins, identity, expression, beauty, vanity and fame, the book takes us on an intriguing journey of self-discovery. The face is such an intimate part of our lives that understanding its origins, how it works and what it means, is a way of understanding who we are. Fully illustrated with 400 stunning photographs, this book explores the development of the human face and provides an illuminating insight into the self.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Science, Psychology, Photography

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

John Marwood Cleese is an English actor, comedian, writer, film producer, and singer.

Cleese is probably best known for his various roles in the British comedy Monty Python's Flying Circus, his role as Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers and his various roles in the British comedy The Frost Report. He also played the role of Archie Leach in the American / British comedy film A Fish Called Wanda.

Reviews

[Utahpainter]

I put this on here because I have the videos with John Cleese and figure the book covers the same topics. The video's are great and cover the psychological aspects of symmetry and proportion. How the traditionally beautiful and physically extreme proportioned people get along in modern society.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of pictures that show how our faces as humans evolved over time. It goes into interesting subjects like beauty and facial expressions and why we find certain features attractive on one another.It also goes into our obsession with celebrity faces.You will learn a lot from this book.Like did you know that it is believed that a human can make about 7,000 discreet facial expressions? You didn't,don't lie.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a television mini-series. For the social psychologist in us all. Or maybe that's just me.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative