Skin: A Natural History

Skin, a Natural History is a work of nonfiction that provides an insight into not only how the skin functions, but how organism communicate through it. Jablonski took the subject of skin, and creatively wrote a book that kept the reader hooked. She does this through humorous wording of sentences, and through helpful visuals. This helps because the reader did not have to try to create an image in their mind of the skin that was being described. The book was an easy read even though a large amount of information was being presented due to Jablonski’s style of writing. For aspiring dermatologist this book is a must, because of the provided insight and deeper connections to skin that a reader will obtain. This book not only gives explanation of the skin, but digs deeper into the field of dermatology and provides a more personal knowledge of the largest organ people and animals alike possess. This book does more than explain the basics of skin that your average Joe might know. Jablonski goes into the evolution of human skin, the connection people have with our relatives in the ape/monkey family, and how our skin communicates nonverbally to others. Jablonski, does more than give a perspective of skin from a scientific point of view, she also gives a cultural perspective. She gives an evolutionary timeline into how different cultures have evolved in their skin decorations such as tattoos, piercings, and cosmetics. One of the most beneficial aspects of this book is how Jablonski does not have tunnel vision for just one cultural group and species. She speaks of aboriginal skin art to western skin art, and how they grew from one another. She also digs evolutionary of how skin evolved through the different migration of people. Jablonski leaves no strings untied, and discusses every aspect of the skin. She even delves into illness that can occur on the skin, which provides a medical aspect of skin. Jablonski connects different skin tones to the different effects the sun can cause, and the different illness that can spread through a person’s skin, without the right protection. She incorporates features of other animals skin as to compare how much skin has evolved in order to maintain homeostasis in the organism it is supporting. Skin, A Natural History gives not only a functional view into skin, it also gives the reader an evolutionary view, along with a biological/medical view and a cultural view. Due to the many viewpoints, the reader will gain a large amount of information, which anyone can apply to their lives. Anyone who has a passion for skin, would benefit from reading this work of nonfiction due to Jablonski’s expansive knowledge on the subject, and detailed descriptions of the different types of skin types, body modifications, and functions. All together Jablonski paints an image of skin that is unlike one that someone might find in their average textbook.

Jablonski's book is well written, well informed, and a deeply insightful discussion of one of our least appreciated, but most important organs. She deftly, gently guides the reader through some basic scientific principles governing the functioning of the skin, and provides compelling explanations of such topics as the role of pigmentation in evolution. She also highlights the role of skin in human culture through such practices as tattooing and scarification. I have some research interests in the topic of the book, and it repays careful study. At the same time, though, Jablonski is such a fine writer, and her explanations are so clear, that I'd have no worries about giving the book as a gift to non-academic friends who are just curious about this amazing organ. (Warning: After reading this book, you'll probably never again want to sit out in the sun tanning yourself, at least without slathering on the sunscreen first!)

This is not quite what I was expecting but pleasing nonetheless. The author is an anthropologist, so the book has a broad cultural focus. The more scientific sections are quite good, but short. She spends a good amount of time talking about animal skin as well as non-American cultural attitudes towards skin, and has a special focus on the darkness/lightness of human skin. The book is only 170 pages, but if you are interested in the above subjects, well worth taking a look.

Good book-nice overview on the topic of human skin. Includes general scientific information about human skin. Would have liked a bit more discussion of social and cultural aspects of skin, but this book is a good place to start thinking broadly about human skin.

Really interesting book, but Ms. Jablonski includes some opinion as fact. Otherwise offers a lot of really great useful information.

Came in good condition and I’m reading now. Thank you!!

This is a great book which tells the lay person everything they may want to know about skin, without the technical jargon of the medical text book. It covers everything from the structure and uses of skin, to how and why skin and skin colors evolved, and on into ways people have ornamented their skin. Very informative, and an enjoyable read.

Dr. Jablonski writes in an absolutely elegant way. She presents her information perfectly friendly, and I would recommend this book 100%.