Bookshelf

The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us

Written by Sheril Kirshenbaum

From a noted science journalist comes a wonderfully witty and fascinating exploration of how and why we kiss.

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 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, couldn't find out, or didn't realize you should understand.

The book is informed by the latest studies and theories, but Kirshenbaum's engaging voice gives the information a light 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. Drawing upon classical history, evolutionary biology, psychology, popular culture, and more, Kirshenbaum's winning book will appeal to romantics and armchair scientists alike.

Find This Book on Amazon

Featured On Episode #97

The Science of Kissing

We’re joined by researcher and science writer Sheril Kirshenbaum, to talk about her book The Science Of Kissing. We’ll learn about the surprisingly complex chemistry that’s going on during a passing peck or a passionate liplock. And Greg Laden returns for another edition of Everything You Know is Sort Of Wrong. This time, Greg asks, are there really universal traits that appear across all human cultures?

Listen Now