The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us

When did humans begin to kiss Why is kissing integral to some cultures and alien to others Do good kissers make the best lovers And is that expensive lip-plumping gloss worth it

Sheril Kirshenbaum, a marine biologist and science journalist, tackles these questions and more in THE SCIENCE OF KISSING. It's everything you always wanted to know about kissing but either haven't asked, can't find out, or didn't realize you should understand. Sheril's a serious scientist, and the material here is informed by the results of the latest studies and theories, but she's also got an engaging, delightful voice and offers information with a light, humorous touch. Topics range from the kind of kissing men like to do (as distinct from women), to what animals can teach us about the kiss, to whether or not the true art of kissing was lost sometime in the Dark Ages, to what, really, makes us kiss.

Employing an interdisciplinary approach--drawing upon classical history, evolutionary biology, psychology, popular culture, and more--Kirshenbaum's winning book will appeal to romantics and armchair scientists alike.

“"Wonderful."”

"Playful yet comprehensive."--Michele Lent Hirsch, Psychology Today "This was the best science book I've read in a long time, offering a new level of understanding to an innate part of ourselves, and making it seem even more enchanting."---Cosmos magazine "If you fear that knowing the science of kissing will unweave the poetry of it, fear not. This engaging book, chock-a-block with eye-popping science and fun stories not only makes for great reading but plumps up the pleasure of a smooch itself. You'll never think of kissing-what e.e. cummings called 'a better fate than wisdom'-in the same way again."--Jennifer Ackerman, author of Ah-Choo! The Uncommon Life of Your Common Cold and Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream: A Day in the Life of Your Body "Sheril Kirshenbaum gives you everything you wanted to know about this wonderful way we use our mouths. If you've ever wondered why we kiss under the mistletoe, or why two out of three people tilt their heads to the right when they zoom in for a kiss, Kirshenbaum will tell you, in a way that is witty, wise, and pucker-perfect."--Robin Marantz Henig, contributing writer, The New York Times Magazine "They say you never forget your first kiss-it sears itself into your memory. The Science of Kissing will no doubt do something similar. From the neurology of smooching to practical tips on locking lips, Sheril Kirshenbaum makes reading about this strange and fascinating practice almost as much fun as doing it."--Sam Kean, New York Times-bestselling author of The Disappearing Spoon "Borders on the super genius . . . an entertaining and informative read about a practice that we should all spend more time investigating."--Bret McCabe, Baltimore City Paper --Adam Frank, NPR.org "Sheril Kirshenbaum wittily explores theories about the evolutionary beginnings of kissing. . . Science buffs and the everyday reader can enjoy Kirshenbaum's insightful commentary."--Laila Barakat, Sacramento News and Review "Like some memorable kisses, the book is short and sweet but teaches us something new."--Colette Bancroft, St. Petersburg Times "A beautifully crafted book, answering many of the questions you have about kissing, and many you haven't thought of, but are none the less fascinating."--Vanessa Woods, PsychologyToday.com "[Kirshenbaum's] honesty, wit and creativity make reading this book a journey to treasure. Your desire to kiss will, happily, remain strong."--Catherine Ramsdell, Chattanooga Free Press "Shows flashes of greatness."--Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times "What's the big deal? You pucker up, and there you are-right? Turns out there's a lot more to kissing than you might think. For instance, you never forget your first kiss isn't just a sappy sentiment; it's apparently quite literally true, and the fact that we remember more details about that first kiss than about our first sexual experience speaks volumes about the nature of memory. Men and women kiss differently; that's also true, but you might be surprised to learn why. Why is kissing important to some human societies, and unimportant-just plain foreign-to others? University of Texas research scientist and Discover magazine blogger Kirshenbaum draws on psychology, biology, history, and other disciplines in this highly engaging, highly informative book."--David Pitt, Booklist

Sheril Kirshenbaum is a research associate at Duke University. She blogs on Discover magazine's website, The Intersection, and contributes to a variety of blogs and science publications

When did humans begin to kiss Why is kissing integral to some cultures and alien to others Do good kissers make the best lovers And is that expensive lip-plumping gloss worth it Sheril Kirshenbaum, a marine biologist and science journalist, tackles these questions and more in THE SCIENCE OF KISSING. It's everything you always wanted to know about kissing but either haven't asked, can't find out, or didn't realize you should understand. Sheril's a serious scientist, and the material here is informed by the results of the latest studies and theories, but she's also got an engaging, delightful voice and offers information with a light, humorous touch. Topics range from the kind of kissing men like to do (as distinct from women), to what animals can teach us about the kiss, to whether or not the true art of kissing was lost sometime in the Dark Ages, to what, really, makes us kiss. Employing an interdisciplinary approach--drawing upon classical history, evolutionary biology, psychology, popular culture, and more--Kirshenbaum's winning book will appeal to romantics and armchair scientists alike.

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