{"product_id":"the-book-of-skin-9780801488931","title":"The Book of Skin","description":"\u003cp\u003eSkin  Steven Connor argues  has never been more visible. The Book of Skin explores the multiple functions of the skin in the cultures of the West. In this vividly illustrated book  Connor draws on evidence from a variety of sources including literary and other forms of public and private writing  especially medical texts  as well as painting  photography  and film  folklore and popular song. Because of its newfound visibility  skin has never been at once so manifest and so in jeopardy as it is today. This dilemma becomes evident  in Connors view  if we examine how skin is displayed and manipulated as a site of inscription. In order to trace our cultures anxious concerns with the materiality and mortality of skin  Connors analysis ranges from the human body itself to photography  from Medieval leprosy  Renaissance flaying  and eternal syphilis to cosmetics  plastic surgery  and skin cancers. Connor examines the chromatics of skin color and pigmentation  blushing  suntanning  paleness  darkening  tattooing  cutting  the Turin shroud  the Mummy  and the Invisible Man. He also offers engaging explanations for why particular colors are ascribed to feelings and conditions such as green for envy  purple for rage  and yellow for cowardice. Connors insights into the obvious and yet unfamiliar terrain of the skin and its place in Western culture ameliorates the intensities and attenuations of touch in cultural history. The Book of Skin bears out James Joyces claim that \"modern man has an epidermis rather than a soul.\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45666219163701,"sku":"ByrdShop_0801488931","price":84.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780801488931.jpg?v=1782423735","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-book-of-skin-9780801488931","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}