Adorning Bodies: Meaning, Evolution, and Beauty in Humans and Animals

Marilynn Johnson explores the relationship between meaning, bodies, and bodily adornment, drawing on evolutionary theory and philosophy to consider how the ways we use our bodies are similar to and different from animals. She examines how both natural and non-natural meanings signify relevant information to other humans, and how the way we dress can negatively influence the way our bodies can be read.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In her book Adorning Bodies, Marilynn Johnson delves into the intricate relationship between art, beauty, and aesthetics, drawing upon evolutionary theory and philosophy to explore the significance of meaning in bodies and bodily adornment. Through her thoughtful analysis, Johnson sheds light on how our body language and physical appearance are both similar to and distinct from that of animals. By engaging with the works of influential thinkers such as Charles Darwin, H. P. Grice, and Roland Barthes, Johnson examines both natural and non-natural meanings, unraveling the ways in which these systems convey important information to other humans.

Johnson also delves into the impact of clothing on the way our bodies are perceived and interpreted. She highlights how certain garments can shape and manipulate our physical appearance, altering the way others perceive us. Moreover, she explores how some animals and humans employ their bodies as tools for deception, employing camouflage, mimicry, and other strategies to mislead or attract potential mates or prey.

Throughout Adorning Bodies, Johnson offers insightful perspectives on the complex interplay between meaning, bodies, and culture. She challenges traditional notions of beauty and aesthetics, urging us to consider the deeper cultural and social implications of our physical appearance. By examining the ways in which we adorn ourselves and the ways in which others interpret our bodies, Johnson provides a thought-provoking exploration of the multifaceted nature of meaning and its expression in the human experience.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350104259